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Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood could both return from injury for Manchester United against Brighton, but Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof are doubts.

Both Rashford and Greenwood were forced to withdraw from international duty through injury, but trained ahead of the Premier League clash against the Seagulls on Sunday.

Martial, who picked up an injury while away on duty with France, did not train however and remains a doubt.

What was said?

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “As always when you send them away on an international break, you keep your fingers crossed they'll be available for you.

"I don't know about Anthony, he didn't join in training this morning, but Marcus and Mason trained for the first time this morning and hopefully they can get through that with no reaction. If they complete the session tomorrow, they might be available for selection.”

Speaking to MUTV he added: “Neither of them [Martial nor Lindelof] trained this morning. We are still waiting for final confirmation on how they are.”

How is Solskjaer dealing with his goalkeeping dilemma?

While sounding optimistic in his injury news, Solskjaer would not divulge who would be playing in net for United on Sunday.

Dean Henderson started the last six games before the international break with David de Gea given personal leave to go back to Spain for the birth of his daughter.

With question marks over who will be first choice next season and just nine league games left this campaign, there will be scrutiny over who Solskjaer selects in the coming weeks. With a maximum of 14 games left this season, the United manager doesn’t have many opportunities left to work out who his No 1 is going to be.

“I understand the question and the narrative in the media, that where there's potential tension and controversy, that's where everyone wants to hear a comment from me,” Solskjaer said.

“I've got great options, they are top goalkeepers but both of them want to play as much as possible and that will be decided on merit, we will have to think who's going to give us a win on any given day.

“With Dean and David, same again, the two keepers will probably be needed in these last nine plus hopefully five more games and both of them know we value them both really highly.

"It's a difficult position to leave one of them out. It's an easy decision to give them the nod and they'll play, the difficult one is to leave one of them out but it’s a good decision to make. You will probably see both of them.”

Further reading

Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City may not sign a striker in the summer after it was confirmed that  Sergio Aguero will leave the club at the end of the season.

The City boss admitted it would be difficult to replace the club’s record goalscorer despite Aguero missing much of the season through injury and for Covid-19 reasons.

Finances at sides around the world have been affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and Guardiola says City are no different, which could affect their summer plans.

What's been said?

"I want to be clear, maybe we are going to find a new player to replace him (Aguero) but in terms of numbers [of goals it is] impossible," Guardiola said ahead of Saturday's clash with Leicester. "In terms of what he means, impossible.

"There are a lot of big chances that maybe we are not going to sign a striker for next season. We have enough players in the first team - and interesting players - with the world economics that we will not sign a striker for next season."

Pressed on why City might not sign a striker, he added: "With these prices it’s impossible - we cannot afford it. That’s not going to happen. All the clubs struggle financially and we are not an exception."

Who have City been linked with?

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is a potential target for City but the biggest clubs in Europe have also been linked with a move for the Norway international.

His agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge were, according to the Spanish press, in Barcelona and Madrid on Thursday, with  Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc forced to deny the striker would be leaving.

Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Inter star Romelu Lukaku have also been linked as potential alternatives but any move would be expected to cost more than £85 million ($117m).

What are City's alternatives?

With Aguero leaving, Gabriel Jesus would be the only recognised striker left at the club although much of this season's success has been achieved playing with a false nine.

Spain international Ferran Torres can play as a striker while youngsters Lukas Nmecha and Liam Delap have impressed, on loan at Anderlecht and with the academy, respectively.

"We have Gabriel, Ferran, players in the academy, we play with a false nine - I don’t know what will happen," Guardiola added. "Maybe we will not buy one. Today there is more chance we will not buy one."

Where next for Aguero?

A number of top European clubs are sure to be interested in the striker, who is available on a free transfer.

Barcelona and a potential link-up with international team-mate Lionel Messi is one possible destination.

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus could also be interested while Aguero may choose to stay in England, with Chelsea and Arsenal both having been linked.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would not comment on whether Manchester United will be making a move for Dortmund striker Erling Haaland but did suggest that there are only a certain number of teams who are capable of signing the forward.

The Norwegian goal machine is a top target for numerous clubs across Europe, with his father, alongside his agent, Mino Raiola, spotted arriving in Barcelona yesterday before reportedly travelling to Madrid for talks.

United tried to sign the 20-year-old last season but he opted for a move to the Bundesliga instead and while the club remain interested in adding the forward to their squad, Solskjaer was giving little away.

What's been said?

Solskjaer told a press conference ahead of the game against Brighton: "Well, I'm focusing on the next two months and whatever happens in the world of football there is only so many places anyone can go to.

"As I said, we focus on the ones who are here and even though I worked with Erling it's not right for me as Man United manager to talk about Erling. I can talk about him as an ex-coach of his, but he will make his own mind up."

Are Man Utd interested in Haaland?

In short, yes. Solskjaer has said in the past that the club will always be looking at the best players in the world and with the United boss having managed Haaland before, the pair have a good personal relationship.

United are in need of a striker this summer with Edinson Cavani’s second season up in the air and Anthony Martial struggling as the No 9. However, it will be a tough task to land Haaland as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea are all interested in acquiring him.

What else was said?

Solskjaer was asked about the pictures which showed Haaland’s father and Raiola arriving in Barcelona and he pledged they will attempt to be more discreet with their transfer business.

The Red Devils boss said: "I think the way the world works at the moment, you'd like to do all your business on the quiet but there are platforms everywhere, there’s news, the media make that more difficult. Who can you trust?

"Hopefully we can suddenly sit here with players no one has written about. We conduct our recruitment business, scouting, the players that we are interested in, I feel we do it the right way.

"Who we're interested in, who we can go for and who we will go for, I'm not going to comment on that."

Further reading

Kelechi Iheanacho has not been named as a potential Sergio Aguero successor at Manchester City, but could a case be made that the Nigeria international should be considered for a return to the Etihad Stadium?

It is unlikely to happen, given Pep Guardiola’s troops reportedly have their sights on Borussia Dortmund’s force of nature, Erling Haaland, or Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku — both strikers definitely among the best in their positions in Europe at present — opting to bring the Leicester City frontman back to Manchester is undoubtedly a long shot.

Even Harry Kane, who has a decision to make over his Tottenham Hotspur future this summer, could be an option for Pep Guardiola if he decides to take that next step in his career to win trophies.

Without a doubt, the complete, world class England man will fit into the City side.

However, for the aforementioned forwards, there are obvious financial complications.

Haaland’s current release clause of around £130 million — which reduces significantly in summer 2022 to £70million or thereabouts — may be tricky to meet this year.

Inter are unlikely to settle for peanuts for their best player even if current challenges with Suning Holdings Group could lead the Cityzens to test the Nerazzurri’s resolve for Lukaku, while Daniel Levy always drives a hard bargain in North London.

Iheanacho may not be the world class option Guardiola requires in that position but one that makes fiscal sense when all is considered. The former City forward was sold to the Foxes for £25 million with a reported buyback clause of £50 million inserted in the deal.

It’s taken four years, but the Super Eagle’s recent form makes him a left-field option for the Cityzens if their primary targets prove unattainable this summer. Admittedly, while it’s still a small sample size of games, the 24-year-old’s current run has seen him shatter a few personal records and has time to set new ones with eight Premier League games to play.

Having scored his first PL hat-trick in the dismantling of bottom Sheffield United in March, the attacker played a pivotal role in leading the Foxes to their first FA Cup semi-final with a 3-1 success over Manchester United before the hiatus.

Involved in all three goals (two goals and an assist) against the Red Devils, Iheanacho took his recent tally to seven goals in his last four games to send Leicester into their first FA Cup semi-final since 1981/82, ending a run of five quarter-final defeats on the spin.

Given Jamie Vardy’s inexplicable lull since January (he’s scored only once in 2021), Rodgers’ side have been uplifted by the West African netting in four games in succession for the first time in his career, boosting their top four prospects and putting them within two wins of their first-ever triumph in the sport’s oldest cup competition.

“Jamie [Vardy] hasn’t scored in a few games, but his movement and assists have been first class. He gives Kels [Iheanacho] space,” Rodgers said before facing City. “They link up very well and since they’ve been playing together they’ve been outstanding.”

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Liverpool boss spoke glowingly about his in-form frontman, explaining the tactical switch that’s bringing the best out of him.

“When he has played in a diamond structure or a 3-1-4-2, he has always played well and combined with another striker. That is probably what he is best suited to, but I have played a lot of the time this season with one central striker and two wide forwards,” Rodgers revealed.

“When we lost our attacking players, we lost our wingers, our really creative players, and it was just a case of trying to figure out how to get the balance in the team to give us a real creative aspect while retaining defensive stability as well.

“We decided to play 3-4-1-2 and then go to 3-1-4-2. We started looking at different aspects of how they could play together, and it has worked really well for us.”

With five goals in his last three league games, Iheanacho has now netted six league goals this term, putting him two behind his most prolific Premier League return in 2015/16. For context, the Nigeria star’s goals per 90 rate of 0.75 is the best in the entire league, adding even more gloss on his recent run.

Be that as it may, a return to Man City may not be to his benefit, especially due to Pep’s preferred 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation.

While an argument will be made that the fluid system of the champions-elect suggests he’d thrive, the forward’s strengths are marked when played in tandem with a natural striker up top.

Undoubtedly, Iheanacho is in the form of his life and there’s hope he finds the consistency that made City insert the buyback clause in the first place and convinced Leicester to splurge on one of the most promising young talents in the division four years ago.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said he is not expecting any new players in his team when the Super Eagles start their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign in June,

The three-time African champions rounded up their qualification campaign for next year’s continental tournament with a 3-0 win at Teslim Balogun Stadium, thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Oghenekaro Etebo and Paul Onuachu.

Next up is the second qualifying round for the biggest football competition in the world where they have been pitched against Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia in Group C.

The Super Eagles ended their Afcon qualifiers with an unbeaten record after six matches and the former Gabon coach is hoping his team can continue the fine streak in two months' time.

“The World Cup qualifiers will start soon and I think we will be able to do well, and we should expect good football again on a good pitch,” Rohr told the media.

"We can’t try new players now, it is too late and it is getting more serious because it is World Cup qualifiers.

“The Afcon qualifiers is over and we need to get the same result like in the World Cup qualifiers. We need to continue doing our job – the officials.

“We thank Nigerians for their support even after the two draws (vs Sierra Leone). We had a lot of injuries and we saw three players in the first-leg in Benin City who went off in an ambulance – Osimhen, Balogun and Musa.

“The record of our results is very good and I know we are unbeaten in all our away games in the qualifiers. It is a nice one and we have to continue to always be the best but sometimes we cannot always win all matches.”

Enyimba's Anayo Iwuala was the only fresh face who played for the Super Eagles in the just-concluded international break while new invitees, goalkeeper John Noble and Abia Warriors' Adeleke Adekunle, were unused substitutes.

Despite not playing a competitive match since November 2020, Ahmed Musa was introduced as a late substitute against Lesotho on Tuesday.

Rohr defended his decision of selecting the former Leicester City man, who is currently seeking a new club as a free agent.

The 67-year-old said: “He has good fitness and there was no reason not to allow him come on to play for the team. He is the captain of the team and we want to help him find a good club now.”

Namungo FC coach Hemedi Morocco has stated they have no other option than to beat Nkana FC in their match in the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday.

The Tanzanian outfit started their campaign in Group D of the competition with two straight defeats – losing their first match 2-0 to Raja Casablanca in Morocco before returning home to suffer a 1-0 defeat against Pyramid FC of Egypt.

It is the reason coach Morocco has explained why they need to win their match against the visiting Zambian side, who have also lost their two opening matches in the group.

“We have lost two games in this group stage phase as such; we have no other option other than winning the upcoming match against Nkana,” Morocco said as quoted by Daily News.

“It will not be an easy game bearing in mind that we will face a side which has got vast experience in the competition but that should not scare us from emerging victors on the day.”

Morocco has also admitted his squad is lacking the experience to compete in the biggest stage as this is the first time Namungo are taking part in the Caf competition.

“Sometimes, due to lack of experience, my players play with big pressure which compels them to engage in unnecessary fouls resulting to penalties but, we are working hard to eradicate such challenges,” Morocco continued.

He has, however, assured their fans they don’t have injuries heading into the fixture and has remained confident they will pick up a good result.

“At this juncture, there is no retreat, Namungo have made it big to reach this far...considering the fact that the team just came from nowhere to reach into Caf Confederation Cup’s group stage which is not a thing to underrate,” added Morocco.

“We always fight in accordance with our ability to do well and the past two matches have given us the required experience and I believe that in our match versus Nkana, we will change a lot.”

The match against Nkana will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Namungo have been boosted with the fact that Caf have allowed 10, 000 fans to attend the game.

Besiktas have confirmed Vincent Aboubakar picked up a thigh muscle strain during Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Cameroon and Rwanda.

Aboubakar complained of pain around his right thigh after playing 90 minutes in the Indomitable Lions’ goalless draw with their visitors in Douala.

Upon his arrival in Istanbul, the 29-year-old underwent further medical examinations which confirmed a tension and grade one strain in his anterior right thigh.

Aboubakar is enjoying a fine debut campaign at Besiktas this season and he has helped the Black Eagles climb to the summit of the Turkish Super Lig table with his contribution of 15 goals in 25 matches.

He is three goals behind Gabon's Aaron Boupendza, who is the leading scorer in the league with 18 goals for Hatayspor.

“As a result of the evaluation of our football player Vincent Aboubakar, who felt pain in the front of his right thigh during the African Cup of Nations qualifying match played by the Cameroon national team against Rwanda on 30 March 2021, tension and edema (Grade 1 Strain) were detected in the anterior muscle of the right thigh (Rectus Femoris). has been started by our healthcare team,” the club statement read.

Goal understands the Cameroon star will be out of action for the next two weeks and will miss Besiktas' league games against Kasimpasa, Alanyaspor and BB Erzurumspor.

In his absence, Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah will be expected to complement the frontline having scored four goals so far in 24 Super Lig outings.

Aside from his impressive club form, Aboubakar helped Cameroon finish at the top of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group even though automatic qualification was secured as hosts of the tournament next year.

He was the highest goalscorer in Group F with three goals for Antonio Conceicao's side.

Roberto Firmino is available to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

There were question marks over the Brazil forward's availability having only returned to training this week following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

He is, however, fit enough to be part of the squad for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, with Klopp also confirming there were no set-backs for the players returning from international duty.

Firmino back after three-game absence

Klopp will be able to call upon Firmino once again after he confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the Brazil international is available to face Arsenal.

The 29-year-old had missed the Reds' last three matches due to a knee injury and had only returned to training on Monday.

However, he is fit enough to be part of the squad for clash with the Gunners, although it remains to be seen if he'll be selected from the start or will have to settle for a place on the bench.

One goal in 16 matches

Firmino's form during the 2020-21 campaign has been someway short of his best, with the former Hoffenheim striker having only scored one goal in his last 16 matches in all competitions.

That came in a 3-1 win over Tottenham, with Firmino's struggles in front of goal having coincided with what has been a disappointing season for the Premier League title holders, who find themselves in seventh place in the table.

Klopp's side have been linked with Erling Haaland, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero in recent times, with it being possible that the Reds will look to freshen up their forward line in the summer.

How close is Jordan Henderson to a return?

Klopp was unable to give a return date for Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, who remains sidelined due to a groin injury suffered in the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Everton.

Asked for a timescale, the German told reporters: "No, not really [I can't give you one]. He is not here at the moment but he will train in the next days and weeks for sure. Nothing to say from me. I'm not a doctor or a surgeon. It's just about time."

Further reading

Bandari FC winger Abdallah Hassan has hinted that reigning Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Gor Mahia are interested in his services.

The Kenya international has been impressive this season for both his club and the Harambee Stars.

For the latter, he has scored three goals in as many matches in all competitions, with the latest one coming in the 2-1 win away to Togo in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

It is after these exploits that the forward has been linked with a move to K'Ogalo, who have been inconsistent this season.

"Gor Mahia are a big team and I respect them very much," Hassan told Goal when asked about the rumours.

"But currently I have a contract with Bandari; it will not be good for me to start talking about other offers. they might be there but my aim is to stay focused on the club I am contracted to."

Hassan also commented on his recent rich form in front of goal, especially for the national team.

"Chances do not come easily and when you get one then you must try as hard as possible to capitalise on it," Hassan continued.

"The defenders are good in their marking, they don't let you pass easily, so when they sleep on the job you punish them. It is what I have been doing and I hope to maintain the consistency which will be beneficial to both my club Bandari and the national team." 

The winger is expected to be part of coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee's squad for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, where they will start their campaign to Qatar with a home game against rivals Uganda. 

The two neighbours will meet in the 'Migingo Derby' on either June 5 or 6 at Kasarani. The Cranes and Kenya were pooled in Group E of the qualifiers alongside West African giants Mali and Rwanda, as well as the top team from the third qualifying round.

The second match for Mulee-led charges will be away to Rwanda on either the 12th or 13th of the same month.

The East Africans will then have to wait until September 3 or 4 to make a trip to West Africa to play Mali.

Gor Mahia captain Harun Shakava has encouraged his teammates to find a regime that will keep them fit as the Football Kenya Federation Premier League remains suspended.

Shakava and his fellow FKF Premier League players will remain out of action for the foreseeable future after President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended sports indefinitely to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is tough. Being together in training is better but now we have to deal with the situation due to Covid-19 containment measures," Shakava said as was quoted by the club's social media portals.

"As players, we just have to try the bit that we can and do individual workout to keep us fit as we wait for the green light to resume full training."

Shakava's comments came after head coach Manuel Vaz Pinto explained how the suspension of football will affect the players.

"Stopping the league has not only physical but emotional effects on everyone involved,” Vaz Pinto is quoted as saying.

"The past few months have been very difficult for the clubs and everyone who works within the football circles, the pandemic has pushed things to the extreme and deep end."

The Portuguese coach also stated how they keep a close eye on the players' progress within the period of suspension.

"We have an elaborate individual work plan for players that are controlled and monitored by the technical team,” Vaz Pinto continued.

"We hope this will help in keeping them fit as we eye resumption of activities once the dust settles.

"At this point, we must observe all guidelines as stipulated by the government – in relation to Covid-19. However hard or stressful they may be, we have to respect them and comply."

Kenya international Michael Olunga had asked the president to consider the measures he put in place against the surge of the coronavirus.

Olunga urged the government agencies to work together and see sports resume, especially given Kenya's World Cup qualifying fixtures that will start in June.

"I hope the order is not going to affect the level of the players in terms of the physical aspect of the game as the qualifiers are coming very soon," Olunga said earlier.

"Let the president take into consideration the players' livelihoods since the suspension of soccer will be a big blow to the players. If it remains suspended, it means they will play the qualifiers without the required match fitness.

The Harambee Stars are in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers along with Mali, Rwanda and Uganda.

Express FC have announced the arrival of winger Martin Kiiza ahead of their first match of the second round of the Ugandan Premier League on Saturday.

The Red Eagles have unveiled the Ugandan winger, who has joined from South African second division side Royal Eagles after agreeing to pen a one-year deal.

The 21-year-old has revealed he chose to sign for the Red Eagles because he wants to be a part of their history.

“I am happy to join this great historical club where winning silverware are a priority,” Kiiza told the club’s official website after penning the deal.

“I already feel at home because the players have been so welcoming and I can’t wait to fight for the badge and help the club win silverware this season.”

On his part, head coach Wasswa Bbosa has stated Kizza’s addition is a huge boost and that he’s sure he will deliver and help the team reach their targets for the current season.

“I have known Martin [Kiiza] for a while now, he is a hardworking and focused player, he joins us at a crucial time although he has to prove to get into the team,” Bbosa told the same portal.

“For me, he brings speed in attack and creativity as well so he’s a good addition to the squad.”

Kizza, who also featured for Free State Stars in South Africa, becomes coach Bbosa’s 20th signing of the season and will wear shirt number 18.

The left-footed winger left Uganda in 2019 to join then-PSL side Free State Stars but after just a single season, he moved to the second division and signed for Royal Eagles on a two-year deal on January 5, 2020.

During his time at Free State Stars, Kiiza featured seven times and scored only one goal and he also became only the second Ugandan after Diego Hamis Kiiza to play for Free State Stars when he completed his move in January 2019.

He started out at KCCA FC in the 2014-15 season before moving to SC Villa where he spent three seasons and it was after the three trophyless years that Kizza decided to venture into professional football, moving south of the continent to South Africa.

Express, who are third on the 16-team table, will open their second-round campaign with a home game against table-toppers URA FC at Wankulukuku Stadium on Saturday.

Juventus have opened talks with Sassuolo over a deal to sign Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli, Goal Italy can confirm.

Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has been an admirer of the 23-year-old since he first broke through at Milan five years ago but has stepped up his interest having been impressed with his performances for club and country over the past 12 months.

The Bianconeri are likely to face intense competition for the player's signature but are hopeful that by moving quickly they can tie up the move and avoid a bidding war for his services, with Sassuolo likely to request a fee of around €40 million (£34m/$47m).

Juve confident of agreeing deal

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on clubs’ finances across the globe, meaning big-money transfers will be increasingly difficult to achieve this summer.

Juve, however, are confident they will be able to strike a deal with Sassuolo for Locatelli that meets their valuation while fitting in with the short-term financial constraints caused by the pandemic.

Any fee is likely to be spread over several years to ease the immediate financial burden, while youngsters Gianluca Frabotta and Nicolo Fagioli could also be offered in part-exchange to push through the deal.

A transfer similar to that of Federico Chiesa,  who joined from Fiorentina on a two-year loan last summer with an obligation to buy, has also been mooted.

The bigger picture

Andrea Pirlo is under pressure after a disappointing first season in charge of Juve, with their dreams of a 10th successive Scudetto all but over and their Champions League hopes ended by Porto last month.

The Turin side are 10 points behind leaders Inter with 11 games remaining and face a battle just to stay in the top four and secure Champions League football for next season.

It is little surprise, therefore, that rumours of a summer rebuild have begun.

Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Alex Sandro and Paulo Dybala have all been linked with a summer exit, while rumours continue to swirl around the future of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Further reading

Simba SC goalkeeper Aishi Manula believes Gor Mahia's recent dominance in Kenya played a part in reducing the popularity of the Mashemeji Derby.

K'Ogalo have been the better side against perennial rivals AFC Leopards in recent times - prior to the 0-0 draw this season, the reigning Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions had won six straight league games against Ingwe. 

The Tanzania international believes it is the main difference between the Mashemeji Derby and the Kariakoo Derby, that brings together Simba SC and Yanga SC.

"In the recent past, the Mashemeji Derby was doing well and it was exciting to watch," Manula told Goal.

"However, Gor Mahia have been dominating which in a way has affected the derby. Other teams are struggling to match them [including rivals Leopards] and it has made the derby's spark go down. 

"It is different with the Kariakoo Derby because both Simba and Yanga are almost at par. It makes the derby unpredictable and as a result, many fans come in large numbers to support their respective teams."

The 25-year-old also explained why the Tanzania Mainland League is fast gaining popularity in the East Africa region and the entire continent at large.

"The league is rapidly developing owing to the competition of [Yanga, Simba and Azam] and of late we have also seen the likes of Namungo FC, Kagera Sugar, and Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) FC, Mtibwa Sugar also pushing up well for the title," Manula continued.

"Not only that, other teams are going for professional players. Even the foreign-based players signed by the bigger clubs are exceptional and it has helped in the growth of our league.

 "In East Africa, Tanzania league is leading considering even the way the teams are performing in the continental assignments."

The custodian will be making a return to Wekundu wa Msimbazi this weekend against AS Vita hoping to get a point to seal progression to the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

Mnyama lead Group A with 10 points, three more than defending champions Al Ahly, while the Congolese side are in third with four points, three more than bottom-placed Al Merrikh, who have no chance of making it to the next stage.

The Tanzania Football Federation has banned Yanga SC vice-chairman Fredrick Mwakalebela for five years for inciteful statements.

The Timu ya Wananchi top official had been accused of inciting the club supporters and members against the TFF and its affiliate bodies, and after a hearing, the federation's relevant committee found Mwakalebela guilty and consequently banned him.

"Tanzania Football Federation Disciplinary Committee has banned Yanga SC's vice-chairman [Fredrick] Mwakalebela from football activities for five years," a statement obtained by Goal read.

"Mwakalebela has also been fined Tsh5,000,000 after he was found guilty of inciteful statements for the Yanga fans, the members against football administration bodies in the country.

"The judgement has been delivered pursuant to Article 73(4) of TFF Regulations of 2013."

Bernard Morrison's transfer controversy pitting the Kariakoo clubs - Yanga and Simba - against eachother is also responsible for landing Mwakalebela in the TFF's hot water. The official was charged for falsely claiming he had obtained a copy of Morrison's contract with Simba.

Yanga are contesting Morrison's contract, saying it fell short of legal requirements but the committee found Mwakalebela's defence insufficient and fined him without a ban.

"On February 19 2021, Mwakalebela, in a press conference, claimed that TFF and the Tanzania Premier League Board are biased towards Yanga, claims he failed to substantiate before the disciplinary committee," the statement added.

"In the second count, on October 1, Mwakalebela claimed that he had a copy of the contract that [Bernard] Morrison's signed with Simba. He knew he was lying and his act was against the law.

"The Disciplinary Committee found him guilty on that count and consequently warned him not to repeat such a mistake in the next five years. He has also been fined Tsh2,000,000 in accordance with article 6(1) of the TFF Regulations of 2013."

Mwakalebela's ban comes after Yanga's media man Hassan Bumbuli was banned for three years.

“Yanga SC’s media liaison officer Hassan Bumbuli has been banned from engaging in football matters either in the country or outside the country for the next three years,” the committee’s statement, obtained by Goal, read at the time.

“The judgment has been made based on Article 78(8)(a) of the 2013 regulations. The defendant (Hassan Bumbuli), was accused of failing to obey an initial order that had been issued by the disciplinary committee.

“On September 28, 2020, the committee ordered Bumbuli to pay TSh5 million and further ordered him not to commit another disciplinary issue within a period of two years. He never obeyed the order and did not appeal against the judgement.”

The new orders and sanctions, in addition to Morrison's incomplete case, are expected to generate more friction between the federation and the record Mainland Premier League giants.

Gor Mahia head coach Manuel Carlos Vaz Pinto has said the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic has complicated matters even more in Kenyan football circles.

The 2020-21 FKF Premier League season suffered a blow a week ago after President Uhuru Kenyatta moved to suspend sporting activities in the country until further notice in a move aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

Despite welcoming the move by the President, saying it will help curb the spread of the virus, K’Ogalo coach Vaz Pinto claimed stopping the league has created enormous complications for everyone involved.

“Stopping the league has not only physical but emotional effects on everyone involved,” Vaz Pinto told the club’s official website.

“The past few months have been very difficult for the clubs and everyone who works within the football circles, the pandemic has pushed things to the extreme and deep end.”

The Portuguese tactician, who is handling the Kenyan giants for the first time this season, has, however, said they have put in place elaborate measures to keep their players busy and it will be monitored during the break occasioned by the presidential order.

“We have an elaborate individual work plan for players that is controlled and monitored by the technical team,” Vaz Pinto continued.

“We hope this will help in keeping them fit as we eye resumption of activities once the dust settles.

“At this point, we must observe all guidelines as stipulated by the government – in relation to Covid-19. However hard or stressful they may be, we have to respect them and comply.”

On Thursday, AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems left for his native Belgium promising to come back once the sport returns.

“Due to the suspension of sports competitions I am going back home for a few days to visit family,” Aussems said on Thursday.

“Obviously I will be back when the league resumes. Let us hope it will be as soon as possible, take care and happy Easter to all football fans.”

In a recent interview with Goal, FKF president Nick Mwendwa assured they had opened negotiations with the government to have football resume.

"We have already talked to the Sports Ministry, and they are keen to implement a few things, they have asked us to write to them on what we intend to do to make sure Covid-19 does not spread and we will respond to them by the latest on Wednesday,” Mwendwa told Goal.

"We have also explained to the Cabinet Secretary of Sports the effects that will come with the league not being played especially when it comes to the national team since we have the World Cup qualifying matches starting in June and we want the team to be ready.

"What I can say, CS Amina [Mohamed] is very willing to allow us to resume the league if we follow the laid down Covid-19 regulations, and in my opinion, we must have our league going at the shortest time possible, we will write to her, and we hope she will give us a positive response.”

At the time the league took a break, Tusker are topping the 18-team table with 36 points from 16 matches while KCB are second on 30 points.

Kenya defender Joash Onyango has been named Simba SC fans’ player of the month for March.

The former Gor Mahia star becomes the second recipient of the award which was launched by the Mainland Premier League champions in February and was won by winger Luis Miquissone.

The award is an initiative from the Msimbazi giants’ fans, is sponsored by Emirate Aluminum Profile company and will see players rewarded for their efforts every month.

Onyango secured the award after beating goalkeeper Aishi Manula and Miquissone in the votes cast by the fans. According to a statement from Simba and obtained by Goal, a total of 25,719 votes were cast by the fans with Onyango managing 20,288.

Tanzania keeper Manula, who is being linked with a transfer to Sudanese outfit Al Merrikh, came second after garnering 4,673 while Miquissone managed 758 to finish third.

With the award, Onyango, who has formed a strong partnership with Ivorian defender Pascal Wawa in the heart of the Simba defence, will walk away with prize money of Tsh1,000,000.

The award will be a huge boost to Onyango, who will be needed to help his team secure the draw they need to progress to the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League for the first time in history, against AS Vita Club on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants will host the Democratic Republic of the Congo side at Mkapa Stadium, where they are yet to lose a match in the competition this campaign.

Simba are topping Group with 10 points after beating AS Vita 1-0 in their first match in Kinshasa, returned home to beat Al Ahly of Egypt 1-0, travelled to Sudan where they got a 0-0 draw against Al Merrikh before returning home to hammer the Sudanese side 3-0.

A point for Simba against AS Vita will guarantee them qualification to the quarter-finals but according to coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, they will not target a draw but will go for a win against the DR Congo side.

Al Ahly are second in the group with seven points and will face Al Merrikh in Khartoum, also on Saturday, before their final group matches on April 9, which will see Simba travel to Cairo to face the African champions while Merrikh will be up against AS Vita.

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba has called on his players to start using the chances they create to score goals, starting with the Ugandan Premier League match against UPDF FC on Friday.

The Venoms will launch their second-round matches with an away game against UPDF at Bombo Military Barracks Grounds and coach Kajoba is concerned his players have not been clinical in front of goal, especially when playing away from home.

Ahead of the clash against the army side, Kajoba has cautioned his players and urged them to improve their displays away from home as they begin the tough second round.

“We hope the boys can do better than they did in the opening round especially when it comes to converting chances into goals and also minimising mistakes in our goal area,” Kajoba told the club’s official website.

“We struggled to score goals in our last two outings in Ndejje and Mbarara and ended up dropping six points so we need to check this tally and keep our target alive.”

The army side may be sixth on the 16-team table but have been a very unpredictable customer for many sides since their return to the top-flight this season, and it was evident during their first-round meeting where Vipers were forced to fight in every inch to win the home game 1-0.

It was forward Yunus Sentamu who notched the all-important goal in the 82nd minute after tapping home a throw-in from Joseph Dhata, and the goal came after UPDF had been reduced to ten men after their left-back Issa Mubiru was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 75th minute.

A win for Vipers will see them return to the table summit for at least 24 hours before current leader URA FC play Express FC away in Wankulukuku on Saturday.

In the last three meetings between the two sides, Vipers have won two matches with the other one ending in a draw. In 2017, Vipers drew 1-1 with UPDF away from home before they beat them 4-1, also at home in 2018, and then won 1-0 in the first round fixture at St Mary’s Kitende.

UPDF will not be able to use Brian Kalumba and Ibrahim Tembo as they are ineligible to face their parent club since they are on loan from Vipers, however, goalkeeper Eric Kibowa will face his former side since making a permanent move to the army side.

Vipers will be boosted with the return of Siraje Sentamu, who served a suspension during their last league match – a 1-0 win against rivals KCCA FC – while Shaban Muhammad and Bashir Asiku are unavailable through suspension.