goonergez

Mexico: 2031 Gold Cup Whilst my early progress in this challenge has come with club football, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take charge of a strong looking Mexican side. My days started well enough as I managed to pick up friendly wins whilst also managing to try out some new potential squad members. The Gold Cup would come across midway during my season with Inter Miami and ranked 13th in the world we were to enter very much considered amongst the favourites. We lost a couple of real key players to injury just before the tournament, but I still felt confident that we could go all the way. The USA and Canada would provide the sternest tests, but this Mexico squad looked strong and more than up to the task. We breezed through our group to make the quarter finals after a very good run of games. It took just 6 minutes of the tournament to score our first goal, as 30-year-old Santiago Gimenez got us going. In fact he scored a first half hat trick as we breezed to victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Next up we comfortably saw off at Kitts and Nevis before finishing up with victory over El Salvador to complete a clean sweep. We’d already qualified before that finale, so I used the opportunity to rest a host of our key players. Our Quarter Final was pretty friendly, and I restored our key men to try and assure our passage into the last four. We dominated Suriname and in fairness it was always going to be a matter of how many rather than whether or not we would win. We took the lead on five minutes and never looked back. Our semi-final was a more nerve-racking affair although we still got the result we needed fairly comfortably. We took an early lead but despite dominating proceedings we struggled to grab that vital second goal. By the time the whistle came we had managed to get that second goal, but it took until the 82nd minute to get it. The Canadians did grab an 88th minute goal back but we managed to hold on and secure our spot in the final. The tournament hosts and our biggest rivals the USA awaited us in the final and the match certainly didn’t disappoint. Unsurprisingly for a game of its important the contest proved a cagey affair. Both teams were reluctant to push to many bodies forward and for that reason it was no great surprise to still be sat at 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes. In truth the game was extremely even and as underdogs I guess I should be happy to have taken the tie all the way to a penalty shootout. I couldn’t help but feel frustrated though as we did manage to create some good chances to win the game in regular time. Penalties are a lottery and on this occasion, we were the ones to miss out. In truth the quality of our penalties was woeful, and we deserved to be on the receiving end of the defeat. Another potential trophy for the challenge comes and goes and in truth I’m starting to get a little despondent. My teams seem to buckle under pressure and that’s at both club and international level. I came into this tournament fully confident that my team would go all the way and so to fall short is destroying. The Mexican FA plan to keep me in charge but for now I’ll take my time to decide my next move. On one hand I’m tempted to stay for the next edition of the Gold Cup in a couple of year's time, but on the other I don’t know how much faith I have in this set of players to deliver on the big stage next time anyway. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2028/29 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, African Champions League Winners, SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2030 Inter Miami FC MLS 3rd 2031 Inter Miami FC MLS tbc 2030-present Mexico - 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 1/5 Club Continental Championships (2028/29 African Champions League) 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments TOTAL: 3/32

Inter Miami: 2030 Review After a trophy laden spell with Kaizer chiefs I departed for the next leg of my journey in the MLS. A complicated league system but one I kind of understand now after several attempts at this challenge had brought me here previous. I joined a side who massively underperformed last season, despite lifting the MLS Cup the season previous. Hopes were high and I was confident I could improve fortunes quickly and efficiently and without the need to go crazy in the transfer market. I used the draft first, bringing in a striker for cover and centre back Kevin Lopez to offer competition. In fact, by the midway point of the season he had impressed and forced his way into the starting line-up as a regular. On top of that were three foreign arrivals. Marlon Renteria and Gabriel Pinatares came in to offer midfield cover, and I parted with £850,000 to sign Thai central defender Promphong Boonto. The 18-year old came in with the wonderkid tag and would immediately become a regular at the heart of our defensive line. Our biggest arrival would be young goalkeeper Spencer Mace, who I parted with around £5,000,000 to pick up from Montreal who had only just acquired him in the draft. He would go on to be a hugely inspired signing and finish 3rd in the MLS goalkeeper of the season award. The early stages of my time here proved difficult. We struggled for consistency in the MLS although we did string a decent run together in the Champions League. Ironically our form domestically improved dramatically after Cruz Azul knocked us out in the semi finals of the Champions League after dismantling is 2-5 on aggregate. After that our form took a positive turn though. We strung together some good results to climb ourselves up the Eastern Conference. We finished in 3rd place and with it qualified for the end of season play offs. We breezed our way through to the final as we continued a run of straight victories into the post season. A final against Colorado Rapids awaited us and gave us the immediate opportunity to fight for the MLS Cup. We put in a great display, only to be undone by an absolute wonder strike right at the end of the 90 minutes. We looked in control at 1-0 up and then did really well to fight back after they turned the tie around. At 2-2 I was confident we’d see it through, but we were beaten by a stunner. The goal came so late we didn’t have time to fight back and ended up having to settle for runners up medals. Frustratingly we would lose in another final this season, although this one was much more conclusive. After seeing off New York City, Toronto and rivals Orlando City we were completely and comprehensively outplayed in the final as we suffered a 1-4 defeat. We fell behind early and never looked like being able to drag ourselves back into the game. I have to be happy with my first season here but definitely end the campaign with a sense of what if. Two opportunities to win silverware passed us by and means we will have to come back stronger next time around. I have no doubt in my abilities to strengthen in the off season and I’m sure we can have another go at it next time around. We have qualified for the Champions League again too, so next season it’ll be about trying to win every available competition so I can move on once more. It won’t be straightforward but I’m excited to have a go. I also picked up the international role to manage Mexico midway through this season. The Gold Cup takes place midway through my next season so hopefully I’ll be able to kick off the international side of my challenge. So far I’ve just won a couple of friendlies that we were favourites for anyway. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2028/29 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, African Champions League Winners, SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2030 Inter Miami FC MLS 3rd 2030-present Mexico - 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 1/5 Club Continental Championships (2028/29 African Champions League) 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments TOTAL: 3/32

Inter Miami FC: Takeover Report My departure from Kaizer Chiefs left me with a kind of somber feeling, but thankfully it wouldn’t take me long to pick up a new role and take my managerial journey on its next big trip. The USA would be my destination, and Miami my new home. Having won the MLS Cup in 2028 the team would suffer something of a humbling campaign as they finished 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference and 22nd in the Supporters Shield. A pretty woeful attempt at defending their crown. My arrival came shortly after the conclusion of the campaign and just about four months on from my resignation in South Africa. Upon arrival it was clear to see I had inherited a squad that seriously underperformed. Within it was a good blend of youth and experience and there was quality across all positions. Straight away I could see a lack of defensive options that probably didn’t help matters and one of my early plans would be to bulk up options in that part of the field. The attacking portion of the squad looked extremely healthy, although star winger Emerson Rodriguez came to me straight away asking for a new challenge away from the club. My early plans are to strengthen the squad depth significantly, and we have plenty of financial power to do that. Initially I hope to grab a prospect or two from the upcoming draft and then look to trade for some solid and consistent MLS performers. My hopes are to put together a decent showing in the 2030 MLS season, and the club also have the North American Champions League campaign. Hopefully I can take us far in that competition. They’ve already qualified for the knockout rounds and that’s where I will pick up the campaign. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2028/29 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, African Champions League Winners, SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2030 Inter Miami FC MLS - 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 1/5 Club Continental Championships (2028/29 African Champions League) 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments TOTAL: 3/32

Kaizer Chiefs FC: 2028/29 Review After losing in the final of the Champions League last season I came into a self-defined final season determined to write that wrong and complete this leg of my journey by lifting the crown. The summer months were spent plucking as much good talent I could from a limited pool of available players that would need my squad registration requirements for said Champions League. I found a couple of decent enough players and then for good measure spent £500,000 on striker Thamsanqa Williams from title chasing Amazulu. Domestically they would prove a huge threat though as they spent a fortune in recruiting top talent to try and snatch away our league title. I forgot to take a screenshot of the league table but the final standings certainly would not remotely sum up the campaign. We didn’t lead the league standings until the final whistle of our final game as we defeated Amazulu 2-0 away to leapfrog them and snatch the title at the last available point. All of this pressure coming despite us going the entire league campaign undefeated. A run of five straight draws just before the winter break left our title defence in tatters as we trailed Amazulu at that stage by a whopping eleven points. Summer arrival Thamsanqa Williams proved a real key arrival, bagging 25 goals in just 26 appearances. This title was especially satisfying as focusing on the Champions League saw me rest all of my available players for a large number of league contests. Having lost just once at the beginning of last season we ended the campaign with this quite ridiculous unbeaten run that is of course still open to be grown. Outside of the league we had further honours to add to our collection. Amazulu ended our Super-8 Cup run by dismantling us in both legs of our quarter final, but once more we went on to win the Knockout Cup soon after. That victory taking my tally to three in a row. We also managed to navigate our way through to another SA Cup final in spite of me resting players all the way through our run. The draw was king to us until the final where we would meet bitter rivals Orlando Pirates. No sweat. A first half hat trick from our big summer signing secured a sensational victory as we blew our rivals away in forty-five devastating minutes. That leaves the big one, as I chased that elusive Champions League crown. I have no doubt that if registering players hadn’t proven a problem, I would already have chalked this trophy off at this stage. Making a second final appearance in a row we went better this time in clinching victory and lifting the trophy. We breezed our way through the early rounds and in truth the only scare we had, came at the semi-final stage against TP Mazembe. We smashed them 4-0 at home in the first leg and despite of that I decided to name the strongest available team for the return fixture. We got incredibly lucky as we were on the receiving end of a shock 1-4 defeat that saw us prevail by a single goal. So my time in South Africa draws to a close in the best way as we lift a ridiculous four of five available competitions. In truth we were sensational throughout and I suppose the only disappointment has to be the loss in the Super-8 Cup preventing us from a clean sweep. I’ve loved my time with the Kaizer Chiefs but it’s time to go as my contract draws to a close. They’ve desperately tried to keep me here but my mind is made up. I leave with a nice collection of medals though. I’ve pretty much decided where the next leg of my journey will be, but for now I’ll keep just a little suspense. I was hoping for a job in said nation would come available as the season in South Africa drew to a close, but it didn’t. I’m going to let my contract run to its end before resigning and waiting for a good opportunity to come available. I’m nervous to move on from possibly guaranteed success, but also excited to try my ways in a different nation. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2028/29 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, African Champions League Winners, SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 1/5 Club Continental Championships (2028/29 African Champions League) 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments TOTAL: 3/32

Kaizer Chiefs FC: 2027/28 Review A third season at the helm here would be focused on the African Champions a league as I looked to win the one competition needed here before moving on to pastures new. On top of that any silverware would be greatly appreciated, especially having managed to be so competitive across all fronts last season. We would spend a little over £1,000,000 in the pre-season period as I looked to build a side that would remain competitive. The biggest arrival was that of striker Shungu Dutiro who arrived for £200,000 from TS Galaxy after bagging himself 22 topflight goals last season. Another exciting arrival was that of young goalie Jody Modise who was snapped up for a similar fee from title rivals Cape Town City. Two centre halves were also signed from our topflight as I tried to add a couple of players purely to get around the Champions League registration issues I’ve found so far. Our early season form followed a similar pattern to last season as we made the Super-8 Final once more, before a stoppage time goal would see Amazulu once again defeat us to lift the trophy. We followed that up though by marching our way to the final of the SA Knockout Cup too, this time winning our final appearance to lift it for the second time in a row. We managed to clinch a second straight title with absolute ease as we enjoyed a tremendous campaign. We suffered just the one defeat and managed to win games late on in the season despite resting many players for Champions League matches. Young striker Thulani Dube was probably my player of the season despite only being recalled from a loan in the First Division during the winter break. The 19-year old returned and bagged 8 league goals in just 13 appearances to earn himself a regular starting line-up spot. My squad would surprise me this season in making it all the way through to the final before narrowly missing out on lifting the trophy. We actually cruised our way to the final despite of all the registration issues that are still plaguing me. The final itself is a game we should have won, but I’m confident we can come back and have another go next season. It’s fair to say I really want this trophy badly. I’m about to enter the final season of my contract here and it will be the last for me before heading off for a new challenge elsewhere. Domestically my squad is sensational but cracking the Champions League is a much tougher challenge. I’ve had to try and build two sets of starting line ups as a majority of my domestic competition side cannot be registered to play in the Champions League. Finding players capable of winning that competition who haven’t featured in African continental football before is proving real tough and I have to pluck them from a very thin pool of talent. That being said I have already confirmed a couple for next season as I look to win the Champions League before departing for a new continent. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Shame to see an end to your challenge but it’s been great keeping tabs of how you’re getting on. You should definitely return on 23. Look forward to reading all about it at some point soon 👍

Kaizer Chiefs: 2026/27 Review After being sacked by Sundowns we enjoyed a really good season here as I began to repair the damage caused by that failure. Last season we finished in 2nd place and qualified for the Champions League for this term. On top of that we won the SA Cup meaning that this year I could focus our attentions onto trying to win the Premier League and the aforementioned Champions League. Our summer transfer activity centred around a holding midfielder and in particular 24-year old Brice Ambina of Cape Town City. We chased him throughout the entire off season before finally clinching his signing in a £200,000 deal. The other notable addition was Gabadinho Mhango. The 34-year old striker enjoyed fruitful spells with both Orlando Pirates and more recently Amazulu, and arrived here on a free transfer to offer cover up front. Our ambitions looked realistic from the early stages of the season. We managed to get to the final of the Super-8 Cup before losing to Sundowns, and did more in beating Amazulu 2-1 to lift the SA Knockout Cup. Our league form was similar to last season though as we started rather slowly before kicking on. We would eventually lift the league title with a couple of games to spare to cap off a very good domestic campaign. Our side was defensively strong, and we managed to bag goals all across the field. I was extremely pleased with how well we managed to do, and we also chalk off another trophy for the challenge. The latter stages of our season did hurt somewhat though. We were knocked out of the SA Cup by Sekukhune United at the semi-final stage as well as being completely undone over two legs by Sundowns in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Squad registration issues definitely costing us in continental competition as we were forced to rely on youth players on their way up into our first team squad. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 1st (C) SA Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners 1/10 Domestic Leagues (2026/27 SA Premier League) 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Kaizer Chiefs: 2025/26 Review With my sacking from Sundowns coming towards the end of the season I wouldn’t have to wait long for my next opportunity. Kaizer Chiefs had finished the season in 3rd spot and without winning a cup competition but possessed a squad that contained some definite quality. I was offered a two-year contract to take charge and didn’t remotely hesitate in signing the paper as soon as possible. I saw this as the perfect opportunity for redemption after my struggles with Sundowns. I was unable to clinch a league title with them but we did come mightily close. In fact I’ve we had avoided a disappointing 0-2 defeat at home to SuperSport United in our final home match of the season we would’ve walked away with the league title. Bearing in mind we had actually endured a very difficult and slow beginning to the campaign we did well to close down an eleven point gap to Sundowns at the midway stage. The big change was my two central defender signings that arrived during the winter transfer window. Outside of the league we had all of the domestic cups as well as the continental tournament of the African Confederations Cup. We did fairly well in reaching the semi-finals of the SA Knockout Cup but crashed out at the first hurdle of the Super-8 to Amazulu. With registration issues for the Confederations Cup, I was actually happy to reach the latter stages and we made it all the way to the Quarter Finals. Especially satisfying as we had only three defensive players registered and was having to fill the back line with our more defensive midfielder options. We did manage to lift some silverware though and it is the first trophy win for me that counts towards this challenge. We scrambled our way through the early rounds, needing extra time to see off Uthongathi and then scrambling through TS Galaxy after a penalty shootout. From there we stepped up though. Firstly, SuperSport United were beaten and then we won our semi-final against the holders Amazulu. The final saw us absolutely dominate the game and to be fair it’s only really a surprise that we only managed to win by the odd goal. It’s fair to say that I enjoyed a pretty good first season with this club. Winning the SA Cup was extremely pleasing but I actually think I’m more happy with this surprising piece of news I received at the end of the campaign. Only the winners of the league normally qualify for the Champions League so to get in actually puts me ahead of my personal schedule. Now I just need to hope that the squad registration issues won’t affect me although I’m not holding out much hope. I’ve got another year to run on my contract and I’ll be aiming to put together a charge for the league title as well as a good effort and showing in the continental competition. A fantastic first season in charge leaves me excited to go into the next campaign. I think challenging for the league is realistic and it would also be nice to go as far as possible in the Champions League. With the right additions over the summer I’m confident in our abilities to do just that. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs S.Africa Premier 2nd SA Cup Winners 0/10 Domestic Leagues 1/10 Domestic Cups (2025/26 SA Cup) 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

@vikeologisthow have you found out tomorrow won’t be a fix? I’m going to finish my current season and if I fail in champions league I’ll shimmy round the rest of the challenge to come back at the end. Maybe removing South Africa and reinstating it later may solve it. Lots to ponder for sure.

I have a strong feeling that is the cause of the issues. I tried to avoid signing anyone who had played Continentally but it left a very limited pool of decent enough players and in truth I don’t feel they’re decent enough to win the tournament. I’m a bit ahead of my updates but it may be a case of giving it one more shot after tomorrow and if not then I may just skip it and hope to come back to it towards the end of my attempt.

I am beginning to worry that the ability to win the African champions league may be severely hindered by the registration issues. I don’t want to skip out the trophy but I don’t think I’m capable of building a team from no previous experience Continentally that can win the competition. I’m having to name makeshift defences full of younger prospect players and I think every time I reach the business end I’ll be beaten by a bigger team.

I'm also having the same issue. Happened in the African Confederations Cup and now in the African Champions League as well. Domestic competitions are no issue though.

Mamelodi Sundowns: 2024/25 Update Having waited for the expiration of my contract with Polokwane I was forced to remain patient for a month before my application for the position at Mamelodi Sundowns became a reality. They returned with a job offer and before I knew it, I found myself as the manager of one of the biggest sides in African football. Fifteen times winners of the South African Premier League and also fairly recent winners of the African Champions League. I put pen to paper on a two-year contract at the club, with ambitions of winning a whole host of major honours. Unfortunately, my plans didn’t come to fruition, and I was relieved from my duties with just seven games remaining of my campaign in charge. I had got the season off to a good start and as we hit the winter break, we sat second in the league and very much in with a chance. Unfortunately, our return from the break was woeful and after a woeful run that saw us win just twice in eight matches I was sacked. I was extra disappointed as after falling short in both the Super-8 and Knockout Cups we had a genuine change with a winnable quarter final of the SA Cup match to come against Golden Arrows. I didn’t blame the board for their decision though as our form literally seemed to fall off a cliff. We dominated plenty of games but a pack of ability to score goals ended up costing us too many points and by the time I was sacked we were way off the pace and looking a trophy free season square in the face. It’s onwards and upwards though and for now I have to just remain a little patient. I still back myself to succeed at this level and for now I’ll just wait until the end of the season and see if any more big jobs become available. I’m sure one will, and I’ll be looking to jump straight back in when that happens. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 2024/25 Mamelodi Sundowns S.Africa Premier - 0/10 Domestic Leagues 0/10 Domestic Cups 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Polokwane City: 2023/24 Review After beginning my career midway through last season, I had high hopes of progression with my Polokwane City side this time around. My arrival had brought definite improvement last time around and I was confident that with some positive activity in the transfer market we could come back and do even better this time. Financial restraints didn’t help my cause in improving the squad, but we did a great job of reducing the weekly expenditure on wages. We brought in seven new faces whilst chalked nearly £5,000 per week off the bill and I went into the season feeling pretty positive about our chances. We started the season in sensational form winning our first six matches and staking our claim to be involved in a fight for the league title. A blip saw us lose four of our next six but we bounced back and showed immense courage to regain our form and push ourselves onwards. 30 league goals from veteran Puleng Marema helped us on our way and we clinched the league title with three matches remaining. Outside of the league we also have a good account of ourselves in the SA Cup, reaching the second round. A penalty shoot-out win saw us through Hungry Lions in the preliminary round before a sensational comeback saw us defeat TS Galaxy of the Premier League 3-2 in the First-Round proper. Our run came to an end in the next round though as we were dismantled 0-5 by Stellenbosch FC to suffer elimination. Our achievements didn’t go unnoticed and as the season drew to a close I found myself rejecting advances from a couple of Premier League sides. Firstly, Maritzburg United and then Golden Arrows came in offering interviews, but I felt by holding out until the end of the season I would give myself a chance of finding a position with a more competitive side. My plan is to leave when my contract expires in a few weeks' time and look to take charge of a side in the topflight where I can compete to win some major honours. Hopefully my reputation has been enhanced enough with Polokwane City that I can make that a reality. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 1st (C) SA First Division Winners 0/10 Domestic Leagues 0/10 Domestic Cups 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Good to have you in here! You won’t regret it.

Polokwane City FC: 2022/23 Review So my managerial career has reached the end of its first season and it’s fair to say my time in charge of Polokwane City has gone well. My arrival saw a vast improvement in fortunes and we lost just three games until the end of the season. Nine victories and three draws saw us climb up the table with ease before we ended with back-to-back defeats to put a blip on our efforts. If we’d won those last two games, we would’ve clinched a 3rd placed finish and a spot within the promotion play offs. As it was we slipped down to 8th place. Despite of that poor end to the season I managed to win pretty solid support from both the fans and the board. The end of the season saw me offered a new one year contract which I signed without delay. Having convinced the majority of the top performers in the squad to new contracts in quietly optimistic about next season. With some solid signings I’m confident that we can come back and push on for a finish much higher up the league table. The board ask merely for a top half finish and that alleviates a lot of pressure from my shoulders. The only disappointment for me so far is the fact that the club's financial situation is so poor that despite two requests they feel unable to financially support my request to complete a coaching course. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 8th 2023/24 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 tbc 0/10 Domestic Leagues 0/10 Domestic Cups 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Personally I would suggest that the challenge is difficult enough as it is, without having to add anything else to it. Granted I may be saying that as somebody who’s never completed it, but the list of successful managers isn’t that great and I don’t feel that it’s an unrealistic amount of people completing it each year.

Polokwane City: Takeover Report My managerial career began in a frustrating manner as I was passed up for even an interview by both City Rovers and NB La Masia. I wasn’t surprised to be passed up for employment but at least thought I had an outside chance of at least practicing my interview processes early on. Further frustration followed with the same rejection by Black Leopards just a few days later. I wasn’t overly disappointed not to pick up a role immediately, but it was somewhat frustrating. Shortly after these rejections the domestic season kicked off and I was forced to wait patiently for an opportunity to crop up. My patience would be needed until mid-November when some of the poorer performing teams began to part services with their managers. My first interview opportunity would come at rock bottom Hungry Lions but as before I was overlooked to actually take charge. At this stage I began to panic that I may never be given a chance, but thankfully as December hit it’s middle, I picked up my first managerial job. And in truth it was a much more exciting prospect. One of the bigger sides in the South African First Division this was an exciting opportunity to take charge and get my career underway. The playing squad looked a lot stronger than league position showed and I was excited to sign on the dotted line to take charge until the end of the season. The poor start had laid waste to pre season predications of fighting for promotion and meant that pressure was near enough absent for me in my early days. 13th position and way off the play-off pace, I would be tasked with trying to clear the nine point gap to get this team up to where it was expected. The club was sitting well below pre-season expectations and meant that in truth I didn’t have much chance of failure early doors. My main aim would be to get the team to understand my style and tactics and hopefully improve on the field performances. Pushing on towards the play off places looked to be too much and so a top half finish was my only personal expectation. The club is in awful shape financially and so the opportunity to bring in new faces was pretty much out the window. I would focus on using the players already on the books and start trying to focus on improving the squad for a push at promotion next season. For now my only target is to get the team performing well enough on field so I can earn myself a new contract to push on next season. Season Team League Position Notes & Achievements --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 Polokwane City S.Africa Div1 tbc 0/10 Domestic Leagues 0/10 Domestic Cups 0/5 Club Continental Championships 0/1 Club World Championship 0/5 International Continental Tournaments 0/1 World Tournaments

Humble Beginnings Having first found this challenge two editions ago I’ve returned for a third attempt at completing this challenge. FM22 saw me get about halfway through which was a disappointment after falling just the Copa America short on the 21 edition of the game. I have a baby on the way early next year so my progress here will probably stall in the new year, but for now my focus is on this save and trying to progress as far as possible. I had tried to steer clear until the full edition of the game came out but couldn’t find myself getting into any other saves. In fact, since I first discovered this challenge a couple of years back, I haven’t managed to achieve much on FM outside of it. That’s why I always knew I’d be returning on this year's edition of the game. My save has begun but I decided to wait a few months in before posting and updating. Below is my managerial profile though as requested. I have already played a couple of seasons so have a few updates to come so will try to space them out. For that reason though @vikeologist I personally don't want the extra competition added into the challenge.

I’ve had a brief trial run of the beta in turkey and it isn’t for me. Ill be beginning this years attempt of this challenge this evening. Hopefully a few more will jump in too and we can have this place absolutely buzzing.

I'm definitely going to be returning to this challenge on FM23 @vikeologist. Really enjoyed my attempts on the last couple of editions even though I haven't actually managed to complete yet. Currently deciding whether to start on the beta or just hold off until the full release. I've had a few months away from FM playing F1 Manager (can't take the database style game outta me) but am now refreshed and ready to have another go. Currently trying a simple learn the ways save with Antalyaspor but as I say am unbelievably tempted to just crack straight on with this challenge. I've a first baby due in march so got to rack as many hours in now before life takes a bit of my time away from me.

England: 2048 European Championship Having chalked off another two club level trophies with FC Porto I handed in my resignation and shifted my focus into trying to lift a trophy with England at the European Championships in France. Having reached the semi finals of the World Cup two years previous I had a fair level of confidence that we could string together another good run in a major tournament. It was definitely important to do well though as the strong squad I had was beginning to age worryingly and I wasn’t sure what the next generation of players would be capable of. We managed to qualify from our group with ease and perhaps more impressively without conceding a single goal. We started with a nervy 1-0 win over Croatia, as a 93rd international goal for veteran Arsenal striker Stuart Griffiths proved enough. A 0-0 draw with Italy followed before we finished the group with a 4-0 thumping of Slovakia. The ease of the win enabling me to make early substitutions to rest our key men. We started the knockout phase of the tournament poorly despite taking a very early lead against Serbia. We quickly conceded an equaliser and then just couldn’t find another breakthrough. We were lucky enough that in a surprising turn of events we managed to prevail in a penalty shoot out though, booking a quarter final spot where we would meet France. As expected the game against France was a fairly even affair where neither side looked like running away with it. A wonderful strike by midfielder Marc Duffy gave us the lead just before half time and I decided to try and hold ok to what we had through the second half rather than chasing further goals. We defended valiantly throughout the second period and as the game went on we seemed to become more assured. We had a goal ruled out with twenty minutes remaining but thankfully managed to double the lead just moments later. At 2-0 I felt able to relax and start to think about the semi final match where we would meet Spain. Facing the tougher of the semi finals we produced our best display of the tournament as we brushed aside a strong Spanish side with ease. An early goal gave us the edge and we never looked back. Two goals in the first half and a further three in the second period saw us cruise into the final with a 5-0 victory and the most dominant of semi final displays. Awaiting us we’re Belgium and an opportunity to extract revenge after our World Cup semi final defeat to them two years ago. We came into the game as narrow favourites and to be fair that’s how the game panned out. We were the better side but only by the barest of margins. The longer the match went on the more likely extra time and penalties became as we simply couldn’t find the breakthrough. Then disaster struck. As the clock ticked to 90 minutes a defensive error allowed a header from the far post that just crept under the crossbar. We had conceded and with that our chances of lifting the trophy disintegrated into thin air. Or so I thought. Just a couple of minutes later and with virtually the last kick of the game substitute David Hanson somehow found himself through on goal and slotted home an equaliser. We had scrambled the game to extra time, and done it in dramatic circumstances. Unfortunately that was as good as it got though. A goal for Belgium just 90 seconds into extra time put us behind and try as we might we just couldn’t find the back of the net. We dominated the extra half hour but left the tournament empty handed. Another major international tournament comes and goes as my hopes for chalking my way through the international side of things continued to stutter along. I’m growing increasingly frustrated at my inability to win on the international stage and I’m not really sure where to turn from here. I’m currently debating the possibility of resigning from my England post as the squad is pretty old and quite a big rebuild is required. I’m also still without a job at club level and that’s extremely frustrating. For now I’ll focus on looking at new opportunities and I’ll see where that ends up taking me. Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021/22 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 10th 2022/23 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 1st (C) 2023/24 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 3rd 2024/25 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, African Confederations Cup Winners 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, SA Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, Super-8 Cup Winners 2028 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 5th 2029 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd 2030 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 1st (C) NA Champions League Winners, MLS Eastern Conference Winners, Supporters Shield Winners 2031 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 6th NA Champions League Winners 2032 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd NA Champions League Winners, US Cup Winners 2033 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 3rd 2034 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners 2035 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2036 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Champions League Winners, Super League Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2037/38 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 9th Europa Conference League Winners 2038/39 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd DFB Pokal Winners 2039/40 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd Europa League Winners 2040/41 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 1st (C) Bundesliga Winners, Champions League Winners 2041/42 FC Barcelona La Liga 2nd 2042/43 FC Barcelona La Liga 1st (C) La Liga Winners, Copa Del Rey Winners, Spanish Super Cup Winners 2043/44 Manchester City Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, EFL Cup Winners 2044/45 - 2045/46 Torino FC Serie A 1st (C) Serie A Winners 2046/47 FC Porto Superliga 1st (C) Superliga Winners, Portuguese Cup Winners, Europa League Winners 2047/48 - 2048/49 AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie 3rd 2049/50 PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie tbc 2030-2031 Nigeria 2034-2035 Iran 2035-2037 Mexico (Gold Cup 2037) 2038-2039 Ivory Coast 2039-2043 South Korea (East Asian Cup 2040) 2044-2048 England (Nations League 2045) 7/10 Top Domestic Leagues (SA Premier League 2026/27, Chinese Super League 2034, Bundesliga 2040/41, La Liga 2042/43, Premier League 2043/44, Serie A 2045/46, Superliga 2046/47)) 7/10 Domestic Cups (SA Cup 2024/25, US Cup 2032, Chinese Cup 2034, 2038/39 DFB Pokal, 2043 Copa del Rey, 2044/45 EFL Cup, 2046/47 Portuguese Cup)) 3/5 Continental Championships (NA Champions League 2030, Asian Champions League 2036, UEFA Champions League 2040/41) 0/1 Club World Championship 1/5 Continental Tournaments (Gold Cup 2037) 0/1 World Tournament TOTAL: 18/32

FC Porto: 2046/47 Review Having clinched yet another league title last season in Italy I found my next job just a couple of weeks into the new campaign. Before that I had the World Cup with England though and it ended in disaster. We breezed through to the semi finals before losing out 2-3 to Belgium. Frustratingly we threw away a two goal lead before having a man sent off early in extra time. We conceded just a few moments later and that was all she wrote. Thankfully I kept my position though and will look to win major tournaments with England going forward. The FC Porto manager departed to take on the newly vacant role with Portugal meaning I was free to come in to a league title favourite for another attempt at winning some trophies. The inherited squad looked more than capable of success and for that reason I didn’t actually conduct any pre season business and we headed into the season with high hopes of a really successful campaign. We ended up breezing to the league title after a truly dominant campaign. We were sensational from the first whistle of the season and never looked back. An early season defeat to Benfica looked like it could damage us but we beat them more comfortably in the return giving us some leeway as we had the better head to head record to go with our points advantage. I’m the end we didn’t need to worry anyway as we stormed our way to the title after a long unbeaten run during which we never even looked in danger of losing. Outside of the league we would play in two domestic cup finals with the hopes of chalking off another domestic cup. First up we would suffer heartbreak against rivals Benfica as we lost out in the final of the League Cup. Thankfully we would put that to bed in the Portuguese Cup though as a comfortable display saw us defeat Vitoria Setubal to win it and grab that much needed domestic cup. Our only blip came in the Champions League as we fell short in the group stage to be eliminated down to the Europa League. We breezed through to the semi final before facing a stern two legged test against Tottenham. After a narrow and late 0-1 defeat at home in the first leg we bounced back in style to win 2-0 away in north London and book our spot in the final. In our way stood the other half of north London and the team I support. We produced a great fight back to win against Arsenal and lift a third trophy of the season. Two goals from Cleyton saw us home and saw me finish my reign in style. Having clinched three trophies in my season here I handed in my resignation and getting headed out on the hunt for a new job. At club level my challenge is going really well but I do really need to start chalking off some international trophies soon. I’ve found that side of things pretty tough so far but I am still in charge of England. The European Championships are at the end of next season and I will definitely aim to lead my side into that tournament. How we get on in that tournament will decide whether or not I hang around to take them into the World Cup two years further down the line. Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021/22 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 10th 2022/23 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 1st (C) 2023/24 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 3rd 2024/25 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, African Confederations Cup Winners 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, SA Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, Super-8 Cup Winners 2028 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 5th 2029 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd 2030 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 1st (C) NA Champions League Winners, MLS Eastern Conference Winners, Supporters Shield Winners 2031 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 6th NA Champions League Winners 2032 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd NA Champions League Winners, US Cup Winners 2033 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 3rd 2034 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners 2035 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2036 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Champions League Winners, Super League Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2037/38 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 9th Europa Conference League Winners 2038/39 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd DFB Pokal Winners 2039/40 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd Europa League Winners 2040/41 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 1st (C) Bundesliga Winners, Champions League Winners 2041/42 FC Barcelona La Liga 2nd 2042/43 FC Barcelona La Liga 1st (C) La Liga Winners, Copa Del Rey Winners, Spanish Super Cup Winners 2043/44 Manchester City Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, EFL Cup Winners 2044/45 - 2045/46 Torino FC Serie A 1st (C) Serie A Winners 2046/47 FC Porto Superliga 1st (C) Superliga Winners, Portuguese Cup Winners, Europa League Winners 2047/48 - 2030-2031 Nigeria 2034-2035 Iran 2035-2037 Mexico (Gold Cup 2037) 2038-2039 Ivory Coast 2039-2043 South Korea (East Asian Cup 2040) 2044-present England (Nations League 2045) 7/10 Top Domestic Leagues (SA Premier League 2026/27, Chinese Super League 2034, Bundesliga 2040/41, La Liga 2042/43, Premier League 2043/44, Serie A 2045/46, Superliga 2046/47)) 7/10 Domestic Cups (SA Cup 2024/25, US Cup 2032, Chinese Cup 2034, 2038/39 DFB Pokal, 2043 Copa del Rey, 2044/45 EFL Cup, 2046/47 Portuguese Cup)) 3/5 Continental Championships (NA Champions League 2030, Asian Champions League 2036, UEFA Champions League 2040/41) 0/1 Club World Championship 1/5 Continental Tournaments (Gold Cup 2037) 0/1 World Tournament TOTAL: 18/32

Torino FC: 2045/46 Review Having clinched league titles with Manchester City and FC Barcelona in the past two seasons I moved to Torino FC hoping to complete a surprise hat trick. Although major honours had eluded the club they had one of the stronger squads in Italy and I joined them shortly after the bookmakers had named them their surprise favourites to lift the Serie A crown. To aid my chances I was armed with a transfer budget a little over £70,000,000 and looked to bring in a few new faces to offer some depth in some problem areas. Having cleared out some dead wood and bringing in funds I focused on finding a holding midfielder and a new goalkeeper. The former was filled with the £13,000,000 arrival of Andre Tokich from Club Brugge. Goalkeeper wise I signed a player I knew well after he was transfer listed by Barcelona. We parted with £43,000,000 to bring in 26-year old Pericles in a club record deal. He had fallen out of favour with the Spanish side but was first choice stopper for me when I took Barcelona to the La Liga crown. We ended up romping to a really surprise title win and the clubs first league crown since 1972. The 20+ goals of Shuichi Kudo on the left wing and striker Tomas Torres helping us on our way. Winger Elias William was a revelation too, after I spent £22,000,000 to bring him to the club from Rennes. Defensively we were sublime throughout and we produced a tremendous 28 match unbeaten streak after being thumped 0-3 at Juventus in our only loss of the campaign. Unfortunately the League was as good as it got for us though as we faced quarter final eliminations in both the Italian Cup and the Europa League. Sassuolo defeated us in the Italian Cup after an extra time goal and in the Europa League we were thumped by Arsenal over two legs. In my defence I did play a much changed squad for both legs though as it came at a crucial time of our title race and the league was my priority. Although I haven’t yet, I will be resigning from my club position and looking for somewhere else. I’m really keen to get the PSG job as they are so ridiculously dominant in French football. Unfortunately it looks unlikely that position will come available though and so for the time being I am just going to remain patient. I’m about to lead my England side into the World Cup and I’m desperately hoping to lift the tournament. Internationally my challenge has been slow and i could really do with winning a few of the necessary tournaments. My hope is to win this World Cup and then have a crack at the European Championships in two years time with this England side. We’re ranked 2nd in the world and coming off the back of winning the Nations League last summer. I’ll return after the tournament with an update on how we get on. Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021/22 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 10th 2022/23 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 1st (C) 2023/24 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 3rd 2024/25 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, African Confederations Cup Winners 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, SA Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, Super-8 Cup Winners 2028 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 5th 2029 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd 2030 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 1st (C) NA Champions League Winners, MLS Eastern Conference Winners, Supporters Shield Winners 2031 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 6th NA Champions League Winners 2032 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd NA Champions League Winners, US Cup Winners 2033 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 3rd 2034 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners 2035 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2036 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Champions League Winners, Super League Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2037/38 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 9th Europa Conference League Winners 2038/39 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd DFB Pokal Winners 2039/40 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd Europa League Winners 2040/41 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 1st (C) Bundesliga Winners, Champions League Winners 2041/42 FC Barcelona La Liga 2nd 2042/43 FC Barcelona La Liga 1st (C) La Liga Winners, Copa Del Rey Winners, Spanish Super Cup Winners 2043/44 Manchester City Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, EFL Cup Winners 2044/45 - 2045/46 Torino FC Serie A 1st (C) Serie A Winners 2030-2031 Nigeria 2034-2035 Iran 2035-2037 Mexico (Gold Cup 2037) 2038-2039 Ivory Coast 2039-2043 South Korea (East Asian Cup 2040) 2044-present England 6/10 Top Domestic Leagues (SA Premier League 2026/27, Chinese Super League 2034, Bundesliga 2040/41, La Liga 2042/43, Premier League 2043/44, Serie A 2045/46) 6/10 Domestic Cups (SA Cup 2024/25, US Cup 2032, Chinese Cup 2034, 2038/39 DFB Pokal, 2043 Copa del Rey, 2044/45 EFL Cup) 3/5 Continental Championships (NA Champions League 2030, Asian Champions League 2036, UEFA Champions League 2040/41) 0/1 Club World Championship 1/5 Continental Tournaments (Gold Cup 2037) 0/1 World Tournament TOTAL: 16/32

Manchester City FC: 2043/44 Review I arrived in England hoping for a brief and successful stay, especially having joined Manchester City. We were the bookmakers favourites to win basically every trophy and I was expecting us to be competitive across all fronts hoping to dive in and out of England as quickly as possible. To strengthen the squad I spent over £150,000,000 on new faces although managed to recoup more than that in player sales. The biggest signing was young central defender Ezequiel Mandile who arrived from my former club Red Bull Leipzig in a £87,000,000 deal. We actually started the league campaign fairly slowly before picking our form up around the midway stage. From there we went to the end of the season unbeaten and gradually saw ourselves pull away. Title challenges by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham were all derailed by defeats to us and we ended up clinching the league title with three matches to go. The 32 league strikes by legendary striker Arnel Lakota a significant benefit for us. Of note was Tottenham striker Oier Ramos though. He left Barcelona with me and joined spurs in a free transfer dealing. He would score a league record 40 goals in just 33 appearances. Outside of the league we picked up the domestic cup I wanted early on by winning the League Cup. We breezed all the way through before producing a nervy but victorious display against Tottenham. It didn’t matter though as winning the competition was all that mattered really. We also made it to the final of the Champions League before losing to a late penalty in a 0-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The FA Cup was the only disappointment as we fell out at the first hurdle to Chelsea after a defeat on penalties. With the successes of a domestic league and cup double fresh in my mind I handed in my resignation and left the club hunting for a new challenge. I wanted a short and successful spell here and we got all I needed perfectly in one season. Losing in the final of the Champions League was a painful final match in charge for me but it wasn’t important really as it’s a trophy I already lifted during my time with Red Bull Leipzig. Awaiting new challenges at club level I did however sign on to return to international management. Having just won the European Championship the manager left his post and went on to replace me at Manchester City. Almost immediately I was offered a host of international roles and England was a relatively straightforward choice. Ranked second in the world it’s a perfect opportunity for me to hopefully chase both the World Cup and European Championship crowns although success will be my only saviour. I did attend an interview with Juventus for their vacant position but somewhat shockingly they went on to employ somebody else. I’m hunting a role in either France or Italy really but with the new campaign now up and running I’m going to have to wait and remain patient. Season Club Competition Position Notes & Achievements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021/22 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 10th 2022/23 Jomo Cosmos FC SA First Division 1st (C) 2023/24 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 3rd 2024/25 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, African Confederations Cup Winners 2025/26 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd 2026/27 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, SA Cup Winners 2027/28 Kaizer Chiefs SA Premier League 2nd SA Cup Winners, SA Knockout Cup Winners, Super-8 Cup Winners 2028 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 5th 2029 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd 2030 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 1st (C) NA Champions League Winners, MLS Eastern Conference Winners, Supporters Shield Winners 2031 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 6th NA Champions League Winners 2032 New York City FC MLS Eastern Conference 3rd NA Champions League Winners, US Cup Winners 2033 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 3rd 2034 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners 2035 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Super League Winners, Chinese Cup Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2036 Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League 1st (C) Champions League Winners, Super League Winners, Chinese Super Cup Winners 2037/38 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 9th Europa Conference League Winners 2038/39 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd DFB Pokal Winners 2039/40 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 3rd Europa League Winners 2040/41 Red Bull Leipzig Bundesliga 1st (C) Bundesliga Winners, Champions League Winners 2041/42 FC Barcelona La Liga 2nd 2042/43 FC Barcelona La Liga 1st (C) La Liga Winners, Copa Del Rey Winners, Spanish Super Cup Winners 2043/44 Manchester City Premier League 1st (C) Premier League Winners, EFL Cup Winners 2044/45 - 2030-2031 Nigeria 2034-2035 Iran 2035-2037 Mexico (Gold Cup 2037) 2038-2039 Ivory Coast 2039-2043 South Korea (East Asian Cup 2040) 2044-present England 5/10 Top Domestic Leagues (SA Premier League 2026/27, Chinese Super League 2034, Bundesliga 2040/41, La Liga 2042/43, Premier League 2043/44)) 6/10 Domestic Cups (SA Cup 2024/25, US Cup 2032, Chinese Cup 2034, 2038/39 DFB Pokal, 2043 Copa del Rey, 2044/45 EFL Cup) 3/5 Continental Championships (NA Champions League 2030, Asian Champions League 2036, UEFA Champions League 2040/41) 0/1 Club World Championship 1/5 Continental Tournaments (Gold Cup 2037) 0/1 World Tournament TOTAL: 15/32