قال ياسر قمر رئيس الاتحاد المصري للكرة الطائرة، إن النادي الأهلي قادر على تنظيم نسخة استثنائية لبطولة إفريقيا للكرة الطائرة.

ويستضيف الأهلي بطولة إفريقيا للكرة الطائرة “رجال” على صالتي الأمير عبد الله الفيصل والشهداء بمقر الجزيرة من الفترة 12 حتى 24 أبريل الجاري.‏

وأوضح قمر خلال كلمته في الاجتماع الفني للبطولة الذي عقد مساء اليوم، أن الفترة الماضية شهدت تعاونًا مستمرًّا وتنسيقًا مكثفًا مع النادي الأهلي والاتحاد الإفريقي ونظيره المصري، في ظل ‏تكاتف الجهود من أجل خروج البطولة بصورة مشرفة.‏

طالع | خالد العوضي: مجلس الأهلي لا يبخل بأي شيء.. وجاهزون للتتويج بالسوبر أمام الزمالك

وشدد على أن تنظيم الأهلي للبطولة بهذا العدد من الفرق المشاركة، وفي ظل كونها مؤهلة لبطولة العالم، يتوافق مع استضافة ‏مصر للعديد من الفعاليات العالمية بشكل عام، ويعزز مكانتها الخارجية.‏

يذكر، أن نادي الزمالك قدم اعتذارًا عن عدم المشاركة في بطولة إفريقيا للكرة الطائرة بسبب عدم قدم لاعبه المحترف ميلان كاتيتش في قائمة البطولة.

Mahela Jayawardene has effectively ended his playing career in Bangladesh after being signed for two seasons as head coach of BPL franchise Khulna Titans

ESPNcricinfo staff27-May-2017

Mahela Jayawardene has effectively ended his playing career in Bangladesh after being signed for two seasons as head coach of BPL franchise Khulna Titans. Jayawardene featured in two games for Dhaka Dynamites alongside his former Sri Lankan team-mate Kumar Sangakkara in 2016.Jayawardene’s signing comes a week after he coached Mumbai Indians to an IPL crown in his first season with the franchise. The former Sri Lankan captain takes over the mantle from Stuart Law, the former Australia batsman who recently took over as head coach of West Indies.”I enjoyed playing in the BPL last year and that has given me a great insight into what will be required to be successful in the 2017 tournament,” Jayawardene said in a statement. “BPL is an exciting tournament for Bangladesh, as well the region as a whole, and I am excited to be partnering with one of the most respected and forward-thinking franchises.”Kazi Inam Ahmed, Khulna’s managing director, said that the franchise can only benefit from the expertise of a cricketer of Jayawardene’s stature. “We are excited to have Mahela Jayawardane join the Titans as head coach for next two editions of BPL,” Ahmed said. “He has always been a great leader on the field and has won big tournaments for Sri Lanka.”We were thrilled to see him win the IPL recently as the coach of the Mumbai Indians. I am sure all of us Titans will learn a lot from him and the tournament will be enriched by his presence.”The 2017 edition is slated to start on November 4, with Sylhet likely to join the ranks and make it an eight-team event. The players’ draft is likely to be held on September 16 in Dhaka.

South Africa women’s captain Dane van Niekerk has been declared fit for the World Cup in June, when she is expected to have fully recovered from a foot injury. Van Niekerk was prescribed six weeks’ rest after sustaining the injury earlier this month. She sat out of the recent quadrangular series, South Africa’s last preparatory event before the World Cup, but should be ready for their opening match on June 25.

South Africa women’s squad

Dane van Niekerk (capt), Lizelle Lee, Trisha Chetty, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Andrie Steyn, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Moseline Daniels, Nadine de Klerk, Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka

Van Niekerk will be the only member short of match practice. The rest of the squad consists entirely of players who took part in the four-team tournament, including Nadine de Klerk and Raisibe Ntozakhe, who both debuted in the series. South Africa won five out of six matches in the round-robin stage and reached the final, where they lost to India.Their most notable performance was an eight-run victory over India in the ninth match. They also had a selection of individual moments to savour. Eighteen-year-old Laura Wolvaardt scored one of South Africa’s two centuries in the competition – Andrie Steyn hit the other – as South Africa racked up 337 for 5, their highest ODI total, against Ireland . On the bowling front, Shabnim Ismail topped the tournament charts.South Africa go into the event on the back of a two-and-a-half year period that coach Hilton Moreeng believes stands them in good stead. “I believe that we finally have the winning formula. The balance in the side is just right,” he said.Since October 2014, South Africa have won series in Sri Lanka, India, the UAE against Pakistan, Ireland and Bangladesh. But they have not been able to overcome New Zealand, Australia, England or West Indies – although they won isolated matches against all teams except Australia.Being able to overhaul some of the better teams in the women’s game will be foremost on the agenda in England, but so will adapting to unfamiliar conditions. The last time a South Africa women’s side toured England for ODIs was in 2008, although they played a three-match T20 series in the country in 2014. Some players, including van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Lizelle Lee and Ismail, were part of the Women’s Super League last year, which they believe will help with the adjustments. “With a few of us having a bit of experience of English conditions, we are confident going into the tournament that we are going to give it our very best and leave it all on the field by the time it ends,” van Niekerk said.South Africa’s best finish at a Women’s World Cup was in 2000, when they lost to Australia in the semi-final. They have not finished in the top four since, but their structures have become professional, national contracts have been awarded and they have high-profile sponsorship.CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat praised the team for achieving the goal they set three years ago – of qualifying for the World Cup – but Danie van den Bergh, head of their title backer Momentum, backed them to go all the way. “It has been exciting to see the team grow in world rankings and again earn their spot and in the World Cup,” he said. “This shows what can be achieved when we invest in the sport and developing the player. We wish the team the very best and hope their representation inspires and encourages young women and girls, or any young South Africans, to get involved and to dream those big dreams. Bring it home ladies.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken with Levi Colwill over a potential move to Anfield this summer, according to journalist Felix Johnston.

How old is Levi Colwill?

The Chelsea starlet, who is still only 20 years of age, has seen his stock rise hugely over the past 12 months or so, standing out as one of the most exciting English players in the country.

Colwill was sent out on loan to Brighton last season, in order to enjoy more regular playing time, and while he couldn't always oust Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster from the starting lineup, he still made 13 starts in the Premier League overall, as well as coming on as a substitute on four occasions.

The centre-back has now returned to Chelsea and is fresh off the back of European Championshop glory with England's Under-21s, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament, along with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.

The Reds have been linked with a move for Colwill numerous times this summer, with the club potentially willing to break the bank for his services, seeing him as a long-term acquisition. A new update has now emerged, however, with Liverpool seemingly unpopular at Stamford Bridge right now.

What's the latest on Levi Colwill to Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter, Johnston provided an update on Liverpool's pursuit of Colwill, claiming that Chelsea are not remotely impressed with the way it is being handled:

"Jurgen Klopp has held a phone call with Colwill directly. Chelsea are extremely angered by Brighton & Liverpool’s persistence, as they have said many times directly that Levi is not for sale. Chelsea are contemplating reporting Liverpool to the FA."

From a Liverpool perspective, it is encouraging to hear that Klopp has reportedly held talks with Colwill over a summer move to Anfield, although the hope is clearly that matters have been handled in the correct way.

It seems increasingly clear that the Reds are desperate to snap up the English star, but Chelsea see him as a massive part of their future, possibly even being captain one day and also breaking into the senior England setup.

Mauricio Pochettino will hope to convince Colwill that he should stay put, promising him regular starts in 2023/24, but the defender is a boyhood Liverpool supporter and his head could be turned by a move to Merseyside.

There is no doubt that he looks a footballer of unbelievable potential, having averaged 2.2 clearances per game for Brighton in the league last season, but also caught the eye with his class and level of calm in possession, enjoying an 88.6% pass completion rate.

His teammate on loan at Huddersfiled, Harry Toffolo, said the defender is "incredible" with "massive" potential, while Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi rates Colwill highly, too, as proven by his comments regarding him after the Seagulls' stunning 3-0 win away to Arsenal late last season.

“I think the best example of courage was Colwill in this game," he said. "We defended man-to-man and Colwill’s man was Odegaard. Colwill went 90 minutes to defend with Odegaard 80 metres from Jason Steele. This is courage."

The idea of Liverpool signing Colwill is hugely exciting, and while Klopp will hope to use his reputation as a way of getting his man, it really is hard to see Chelsea sanctioning a move.

Newcastle United could still look to further strengthen their impressive squad this summer ahead of their Champions League return and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Joachim Andersen?

According to iNews' Northern football correspondent Mark Douglas, Newcastle are interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen this summer.

As per a report written for the publication, Douglas claims that the Magpies are prioritising a move for the Premier League ace, but are currently wrestling with Financial Fair Play restrictions.

How good is Joachim Andersen?

Whilst Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the huge progress his squad have shown over his first full season in charge at St James' Park, it will be essential for the North East club to add more depth in key areas of the pitch to ensure they can comfortably compete and rotate players of quality into the team.

After finishing inside the Premier League top four last season, getting to the League Cup final and qualifying for Champions League football, there will be high expectations for the Magpies to remain competitive and continue their pursuit of success and trophies.

As a result, the signing of Andersen could be a great way to strengthen the options available for Howe in the back-line next season and the Crystal Palace titan could eventually become a worthy successor to Fabian Schar.

The Newcastle centre-back will be turning 32 before the year is out and whilst he is still a strong presence in Newcastle's defensive set-up, the sheer number of games that will come their way will result in some much-needed rotation in the team to prevent exhaustion and injury issues.

As per FBref, Andersen ranked third for clearances and eighth for percentage of aerial duels won in the entire Premier League, whilst also ranking in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for clearances, aerial duels won and touches per 90 minutes played.

Andersen has been the recipient of high praise for his impact in English football, with pundit Robbie Earle claiming he was something of an unsung asset:

"My underappreciated player of the week goes to Joachim Andersen, the big centre-half on loan from Lyon. He’s 24 years of age – he’s a man back there. He can win it, he can play, looks like he’s got a little bit about him to organise those in and around him."

When comparing the Danish defender's output in the league with Schar's last season, the pair came close in a number of key attributes including pass completion (79.2% v 77.1%), aerial duels won (71.9% v 67.1%), tackles won (22 v 22) and percentage of dribbers tackled (50% v 61.5%).

The 6 foot 2 centre-back joined the south London club for £17m in the summer of 2021, however, it is now revealed by Football Transfers that his market value is around €38m (£33m).

With that being said, if Newcastle could complete the signing of Andersen it would be a major coup, as his Premier League experience and similarities in his qualities compared to Schar could see him make an instant impact at St James' Park next season to become a key component in their fight for silverware.

Reports of discontent in the Indian team over the coach Anil Kumble’s methods are in the “realm of imagination,” according to the BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jun-20172:05

BCCI secretary ‘not aware’ of team’s discontent with Kumble

Reports of discontent in the Indian team over the coach Anil Kumble’s methods are in the “realm of imagination,” according to the BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary.”[A] question was put to me as to whether something is there or not there. I said I’m not even aware of it. These are purely speculation,” Choudhary told reporters in Birmingham on Thursday.With the deadline for applications for the India coaching job having ended on Wednesday, Choudhary said the shortlist of candidates would be out on Thursday evening. The decision on whether Kumble would continue as coach, he said, would be made by the three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.ESPNcricinfo had reported that Virat Kohli had expressed reservations about Kumble as coach and communicated the same to the BCCI’s office bearers and the Committee of Administrators, after which the board chose to advertise for the position. ESPNcricinfo, however, can confirm that we spoke to several people involved with the process, including those whom Kohli spoke to, and we stand by the report.Choudhary, however, said no player had complained about Kumble. When asked about the timing of the advertisement for coach – a week before the Champions Trophy began – Choudhary said there was no other free window for the BCCI.”You can see the full calendar and tell me at what position there was a free slot,” he said. “After one tournament, there is another, then another series. It had to be done at some point. This is a process which is well-defined.”By inviting new applications, Choudhary said, the BCCI was adhering to a process. “The appointment made last year was after a process had been gone through, and at the end of that process an appointment was made. The appointment was made for a period. That period is coming to an end, so the BCCI is just following the process. If you don’t follow a process, it’s not supposed to be good. If you follow a process, it’s supposed to be good, isn’t it?”Kohli had said earlier that he did not have a problem with the BCCI inviting applications for the coaching job. “Even the last time the post was up for a change, the same procedure was applied. With the term being one year, the procedure is being followed in the same manner,” he said. “I don’t see anything very different from what has happened in the past.”Kumble was appointed coach in June 2015 for a one-year term by the previous BCCI administration headed by president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke. India lost only one of their 17 Tests, and won limited-overs series against New Zealand and England, during Kumble’s tenure.

An update has emerged on the potential availability of one of Liverpool's transfer targets ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to German outlet Kicker, Bayern Munich could be open to offers for central midfielder Joshua Kimmich as they attempt to build up enough funds to push for Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane.

They claim that the Bundesliga giants may be willing to listen to proposals for the 28-year-old star, who has two years left to run on his deal in Bavaria.

This comes amid speculation over captain Jordan Henderson's future. The England international is reportedly closing in on a £10m move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

How good is Joshua Kimmich?

Jurgen Klopp could now land a massive upgrade on the English veteran by signing Kimmich as the German international has proven himself at the top level over the course of a number of seasons.

The 79-cap star has played 347 competitive matches for Bayern Munich and accumulated an impressive 20 trophies to date, including one Champions League, which is 12 more than Henderson has managed in 492 games for the Reds.

This shows that the Bavarian-based machine is a proven winner who could drive Liverpool forward to win more major silverware over the coming years, as he knows what it takes to consistently lift trophies.

His form for Bayern over the last 12 months also suggests that the quality is there for him to improve Klopp's midfield as a replacement for Henderson.

Kimmich averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.73 across 33 Bundesliga matches, which would have played him top of the Reds squad as Trent Alexander-Arnold led the way with a score of 7.32.

The German all-rounder showcased his creativity with an outstanding 2.7 key passes per game – 0.8 more than any of Liverpool's players – and a total of 11 'big chances' created for his teammates.

This did not result in him shying away from his defensive responsibilities, though, as the £323k-per-week sensation made 3.6 tackles and interceptions combined per outing, which would have placed him joint-top for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara and shows that he is able to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis to protect his goal.

Henderson, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 – the 12th-highest in the team – across 35 Premier League games last season.

The 33-year-old leader did not offer as much as Kimmich in or out of possession as he managed 0.9 key passes to go along with 1.5 tackles and interceptions combined per clash.

Therefore, the Bayern powerhouse, who was once described as a "phenomenal" player by legendary manager Jose Mourinho, would be a massive upgrade on Henderson in midfield.

Their respective statistics last season indicate that the 28-year-old dynamo would provide Klopp with more quality as a defensive anchor in front of the defence whilst also being able to open up the opposition with his impressive passing to create chances for his teammate with greater regularity.

If the German giants are open to offers for their midfield machine, Liverpool must test the waters to see if they can be at the front of the queue.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Juventus star Federico Chiesa, as Unai Emery prepares to add big names to his plans at Villa Park.

The Spaniard, along with Monchi, has already signed Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, and with his former player Pau Torres with one foot in the door, it’s set to be an exciting summer in the Midlands.

Are Aston Villa signing Federico Chiesa?

Things could get all the more thrilling, with GIVEMESPORT adding substance to the rumours that the Villans hold an interest in Italian sensation Federico Chiesa.

Corriere dello Sport mentioned, via Sport Witness, the Midlands club as one of the Premier League representatives interested in the £53m winger, who is contracted to Juve until 2025.

Journalist Dean Jones has since revealed via GIVEMESPORT that Villa are “interested” and are one of the clubs expected to “explore” a potential deal for the 25-year-old:

“Aston Villa are interested. But the most interesting thing about this is that Juventus are willing to listen to anything people have got to say about making an offer for him.

"There's a bit of an exodus in Serie A at the moment, and I think that Villa are one of the clubs looking to explore how they can exploit that.”

Where could Federico Chiesa play at Aston Villa?

A player that’s versatile across the front line of attack, Chiesa is primarily deployed on the left wing, using his favoured right foot to cut in and cause havoc out wide.

Hailed as “dangerous" by scout Antonio Mango, the Italian has produced some glorious moments in Serie A, representing both Juventus and Fiorentina, in which he has contributed to 77 goals throughout his league career.

It could, however, be time for the Genova-born ace to take up a new challenge, after seeing a slight dip in performance since making the switch to Turin, in three seasons that have been tainted by injury.

Time on the sidelines has subsequently seen the 25-year-old slip up and down the pecking order, however, his talent has never gone unnoticed.

For Villa, signing a player of the calibre of Chiesa would be monumental, especially in introducing him into the positive environment that Emery has created at the club.

The youngster has shown certain attributes that suggest he could operate effectively for the Spaniard in his system, with his numbers likening him to a certain Premier League ace.

As per FBref comparisons, Chiesa shares similar statistical averages to treble-winner Riyad Mahrez, who has been a stellar member of Pep Guardiola’s squad over the years.

In signing the Italian, Emery could have his own answer to the five-time Premier League-winning Algerian, as highlighted by their in-game strengths on the flank.

Over the past year, the 25-year-old Italian has excelled in areas typical of a dynamic winger, averaging 2.26 successful take-ons and 4.52 progressive carries per 90, highlighting his strengths in possession, via FBref.

Similar numbers were recorded by Mahrez, who averaged 3.82 progressive carries and 1.37 successful take-ons over the past year, showing exactly how much of a threat Chiesa could add to Emery’s side in relation to the danger of the Manchester City star.

With an audacious price tag, it’s a decision for Monchi to make as to how strong Villa opt to be in their pursuit of the Italian, however, the winger could be the big-name signing that fires the side to new highs next term.

After taking Manchester United back into the Premier League's top four last season to qualify for the Champions League, Erik ten Hag will be looking to step things up another level at Old Trafford in the coming campaign.

The Dutchman proved that intent at the very start of the summer, too, as David de Gea left the club as a free agent, making way for Andre Onana, whose ability on the ball should finally welcome the Red Devils into the modern-day era of football.

Ten Hag may not be stopping there, either, with plenty of time left until the transfer window slams shut to turn his side into serious title contenders.

With that said, we've taken a look at how Manchester United could line up next season.

RB: Benjamin Pavard

The right-back spot at Manchester United has never really been filled under Ten Hag, with the Dutchman often switching between Diogo Dalot, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, depending on what he wants from his fullbacks.

The former Ajax boss could end his selection headache with the signing of Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard, however.

According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils have held talks to sign the defender this summer, with an offer expected soon.

CM: Sofyan Amrabat

After already bolstering their midfield options with the arrival of Mason Mount this summer, Manchester United are close to agreeing a £22m fee with Fiorentina to sign Sofyan Amrabat this summer, according to reports in Italy.

The Morrocon left many impressed with his performances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with the Red Devils now reportedly interested in bringing him to Old Trafford this summer.

Back in the Champions League, United could certainly do with the added depth in the middle of the park.

ST: Rasmus Hojlund

One name consistently linked with Manchester United this summer is young Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Premier League giants, and the Red Devils are now pushing to get a deal done soon.

Having scored 16 goals, and assisted a further seven in all competitions last season, Hojlund would undoubtedly add extra firepower to United's offensive line next season.

At such a young age, too, the only way is up for the Dane.

ST: Kylian Mbappe

It would feel somewhat fitting, right? If Man United managed to secure the signature of Kylian Mbappe, whilst Erling Haaland stars for local rivals Manchester City. It would be English football's closest answer to Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo when the pair were in La Liga.

According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports, United are one of the interested parties in a potential deal for Mbappe this summer.

The Manchester club are, of course, not the only side interested in making a move for the Frenchman in the current window, however, with Al-Hilal leading the way with their eye-watering €300m (£258.19m) offer, which will be accepted by Paris Saint-Germain, according to Romano.

With a long transfer window ahead, anything could happen, though, with United interested in the PSG forward.

With that said, here's how Manchester United could line up next season:

Manchester United have now submitted an offer for Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, but it has been knocked back by the Japanese club, with the player himself focussing on representing his country at the 2024 Olympics, according to a report.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

With Andre Onana's arrival now confirmed, Man United have been running the rule over potential back-up options for the Cameroonian, having recently been linked with a £5m move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Daily Mail report the Red Devils are considering a move for the Turkey international, who could come in as a replacement for either Dean Henderson or Tom Heaton, with the future of both goalkeepers in doubt.

Henderson is due to join Nottingham Forest and Luton Town have offered Tom Heaton the opportunity to start regularly, so a move for Bayindir could make sense, particularly considering the fact that Fenerbahce are expecting him to be sold.

According to reports from Japan (via The Nottingham Post), Man United have made a bid for Suzuki, who is highly-rated in his native country, however it has been turned down by Urawa Red Diamonds, and the player himself has no interest in leaving.

The 20-year-old is fully focussed on representing Japan at the 2024 Olympics, and staying where he is will give him the best opportunity to do that, rather than making the switch to Old Trafford to play second fiddle to Onana.

The Nottingham Post explain that the Red Devils are actively trying to sign a new goalkeeper while Forest try to re-sign Henderson, who left a lasting impression during his loan spell at The City Ground in the 2022-23 campaign.

Who is Zion Suzuki?

The young goalkeeper, who was born in the USA, has been lauded as "one of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects coming out of Japan" by the media, in part due to his "exceptional" passing ability, which has caused him to be compared to Ederson.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has already started to force his way into the starting XI for Urawa Red Diamonds, however he is yet to establish himself as the J1 League side's first choice, having made 29 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2021.

Given his limited first-team experience, little is known about whether Suzuki would be able to make the step-up to a club the size of Man United, so it is not too disappointing the Red Devils have had an offer rejected, as they still have some other solid targets.

Of course, Onana is likely to be Erik ten Hag's first choice, for large parts of the season, but the aforementioned Bayindir could be a decent alternative option, given that he has represented Turkey five times at international level.

At 25-years-old, the Fenerbahce shot-stopper is a lot more experienced than Suzuki, making a total of 141 first-team appearances for his current club, including 11 in the Europa League, indicating he would be capable of filling in for Onana on occasion.