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Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt has welcomed the upcoming Fifa break as he believes that it will help revive the Soweto giants.

The Soweto giants have had a poor season by their own standards having won just one of their last 11 matches across all competitions.

However, Chiefs are now undefeated in their last three competitive games, having drawn 0-0 with Angolan giants Petro de Luanda in a Caf Champions League Group C match on Tuesday evening.

Hunt stated that his side needs a break since the Naturena-based giants have played 14 competitive matches since the turn of the year. 

"Obviously, we are disappointed, but you also have to take a lot of things into consideration," Hunt said during the post-match conference. 

"I think the team did well [against Petro]. We have been going now for a good few months. We have to go through the weekend and then we need a break that is for sure. We do need a break you could see it." 

Chiefs still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals as they are placed third on the Group C standings -  level on points with second-placed Horoya AC and five behind leaders Wydad Casablanca with two games left.

The Glamour Boys have now turned their attention to their Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates with the PSL encounter set to be played at FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

Hunt explained that his charges are mentally fatigued since Amakhosi have had to juggle continental and domestic football. 

"We have one more push at the weekend. Then we have a Fifa break," the four-time PSL title-winning coach continued.

"I think that will help us just to revive a little bit you can see we have mental fatigue because of the playing up and down, and around, so the squad size [counts]. So, they gave me their all.

"The most important thing is that they are working, they are fighting, they are doing their best, that is the most important thing. You can't fault the players."

Chiefs will have a two-week break after their clash with Pirates and they will then face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in a Group C match on April 2. 

Kaizer Chiefs forward Lebogang Manyama will not be available due to suspension when Amakhosi host Orlando Pirates in Sunday’s Soweto derby confrontation at FNB Stadium.

The 30-year-old was shown his fourth yellow card when Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Maritzburg United last week.

Interestingly, Manyama grabbed Chiefs’ equaliser late in that match as they appeared headed for a second league defeat by the Team of Choice.

He also lasted the entire match in Tuesday’s Caf Champions League 0-0 draw away at Petro Atletico de Luanda where he started as a number nine before the introduction of Samir Nurkovic.

Manyama has managed three goals and two assists in the 15 league games so far this season.

His three goals make him the joint top-scorer for Chiefs in the PSL together with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Leonardo Castro and Manyama’s absence could be felt by a side trying to arrest a six-match winless streak in the league, where they last won in January.

As Chiefs face a Pirates side which has defeated them three times this season, that leaves coach Gavin Hunt praying for the return of injured striker Leonardo Castro, who has missed their last three matches in all competitions.

Meanwhile, reigning PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be without suspended striker Peter Shalulile when they host Black Leopards.

The Namibia international picked up his fourth yellow card early into the 2-1 league win over Stellenbosch last Saturday.

It was a match in which he grabbed Sundowns’ winning goal deep into injury time.

Since being confirmed as a Sundowns player in September 2020, Shalulile has established himself as a key player for the club, scoring eight league goals and providing five assists in 16 appearances.

He has also managed three goals in the Caf Champions League and as many in the Nedbank Cup, marking those strikes with some exuberant celebrations where he throws himself to the ground.

“We would prefer better celebrations but if he keeps on playing every match and scoring the goals‚ I don’t mind if he celebrates the way he is celebrating‚” said Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi as per Times Live.

“I honestly don’t mind. Maybe once I see something that could cause problems for him‚ [then] I will mind. As it is now‚ he has played in every match for us and he never gets injured.

“He is very strong‚ he is a fighter‚ a top soldier‚ a very good professional and I am sure that everybody will want to work with a player like that. It will be very difficult to control his celebrations because emotionally we don’t know what happens when he scores a goal.”

Shalulile’s absence could provide a headache for the Masandawana coaches who have a depleted attack following injuries to Kermit Erasmus and Lesedi Kapinga.

Adama Traore is "100 per cent" suited to Liverpool and would fit in perfectly at Anfield, according to Emile Heskey.

Traore has been linked with Liverpool on a consistent basis over the last couple of years, having proven himself as one of the most dangerous wingers outside of the Premier League's top-six at Molineux.

The 25-year-old has saved some of his best displays for meetings with the Reds, including Wolves' 1-0 defeat against the champions on Monday, leaving Heskey convinced that he would be a valuable addition to Jurgen Klopp's ranks.

What's been said?

"I think he suits a lot of teams but 100% Liverpool," the former Reds striker told Rousing The Kop. "If you look at last season the way Liverpool played a lot of the goals they scored, a lot of them were fast counter attacks.

"He definitely comes into that bracket, again there’s no reason why you can’t have competition in several positions."

Klopp's comments on Traore

Klopp reserved special praise for Traore after Liverpool's 4-0 win against Wolves in December, having long been an admirer of the Spanish winger.

"[Traore] is unplayable in moments, it's unbelievable. What a player - it's not only him but he's so good," said the German manager.

After seeing Traore cause his side problems yet again at the start of the week, Klopp highlighted him as the biggest threat in the Wanderers squad once more.

"The speed of Traore is actually undefendable," he said.

Would Traore get into Liverpool's team?

Liverpool already have a plethora of attacking options at their disposal, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino still making up Klopp's first-choice front three when everybody is fit.

However, Diogo Jota has managed to force his way into the team since joining the club from Wolves last summer, and might have already nailed down a regular spot were it not for a serious injury that kept him sidelined over the Christmas period.

Traore could follow in his former team-mates' footsteps, especially given the fact he is capable of operating on both flanks and also has some experience of playing as a central striker.

Traore's record for Wolves

For all his dribbling skills and raw pace in and out possession, criticism is still levelled at Traore on a regular basis due to his modest numbers of goals and assists.

The Wolves talisman has featured in over 120 games for the club since signing from Middlesbrough in 2018, but has only scored nine times while setting up a further 16 for his team-mates.

Further reading

Manchester United have been handed a big boost ahead of their clash with AC Milan as Edinson Cavani, David de Gea and Paul Pogba have all been declared available for selection.

Cavani and Pogba missed the first leg of the last-16 Europa League clash through injury as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with Dean Henderson deputising for De Gea between the sticks after the Spaniard was quarantined following a trip to his homeland.

The club have now confirmed that all three men will travel to Italy with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, as will Donny van de Beek after shaking off a muscle problem, but Anthony Martial has been left out while he continues his recovery from a hip issue.

What's been said?

"David de Gea is back in the squad after taking paternity leave to witness the birth of his first child, while Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek return to bolster our midfield flexibility," a statement on United's official website reads.

"Edinson Cavani is also available for selection once again, though Anthony Martial has not overcome the injury he picked up in the first leg."

Further team news

Nathan Bishop, Eric Bailly and Shola Shoretire were all named in the squad for the first leg, but will be left behind as United aim to beat Milan at San Siro on Thursday night.

Experienced midfielder Juan Mata will also miss out, while Amad Diallo has retained his place after scoring his first goal for the club against the Rossoneri last week.

Increased firepower for San Siro trip 

United struggled to create clear-cut chances during the first meeting with Milan as Martial cut an isolated figure up front before being taken off injured.

Diallo's improvised header from a defence-splitting Bruno Fernandes pass marked the only real occasion the Red Devils were able to get in behind, but Solskjaer will have far greater options at his disposal in the second leg.

In addition to Cavani and Pogba, the Norwegian will also be able to call upon Marcus Rashford again after he made his return from an ankle injury in the Premier League win against West Ham at the weekend.

Rashford is the second-top scorer in the United team this season with 18 to his name, five behind Fernandes, while Cavani is joint-third alongside Martial and Scott McTominay on seven.

Milan are in pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals having already banked a vital away goal, but the Red Devils have a great record away from home in 2020-21 and an increase in firepower will surely see them produce an improved performance in the Italian capital.

Further reading 

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels there are aspects of their game they could have executed in a better way to win by a wider margin but that restricted them to a narrow 1-0 Caf Champions League victory over Tout Puissant Mazembe at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite the win seeing them opening an unassailable nine-point lead in Group B to qualify for the quarter-finals with two games to spare, Mngqithi was not satisfied with their play.

The Sundowns coach now demands an improved showing to complete a six-match winning streak in their group campaign when they visit Al Hilal Omdurman before hosting CR Bleouizdad next month.

“It is one of those matches when you have won and qualified [for the quarter-finals] from the group but you are saying we could have kept the ball better, we could have taken better decisions,” Mngqithi told the media.

“I still believe it was not a 1-0 match, I think we could have scored three or four goals had we taken some of the chances we had. But be that as it may, it’s comforting to know that we got six points against Mazembe. I think that is a very big thing for us.

“Having qualified, in my honest opinion I still want to win the last two matches. The coaches are working very hard as well as the whole team to make sure that we keep the fight. We don’t have an excuse, we have to try our level to give a better show than we gave today. I think we are capable of playing far much better than how we played.”

The win over Mazembe saw Sundowns recording their 10th successive victory across all competitions and also extending their unbeaten run to 25 games.

They last tasted defeat when they were eliminated from the MTN8 by Bloemfontein Celtic last October.

Mngqithi has also hinted that injured attacker Kermit Erasmus could be out for a long time as they search for cover for him.

Erasmus came on as a second-half substitute in last weekend's Premier Soccer League win over Stellenbosch but lasted just 12 minutes after he received a knock.

“We have lost Kermit now so there might be the need to have somebody up-top who can also retain possession, give us direction or maybe establish play,” said Mngqithi.

“We also need more cover for Mshishi [Themba Zwane], Gaston [Sirino] and for [Lesedi] Kapinga who is also injured to make sure that we always have sufficient creative players within our team.”

Sundowns now prepare to host Black Leopards in a league match on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim reveals he is surprised to have earned an invitation to Ghana's senior team.

Just recently he won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, and now the 18-year-old has received a prompt reward for his good performances during the continental youth competition in Mauritania where he was adjudged as the goalkeeper of the tournament.

He received an invitation on Tuesday, alongside Dreams right-back Philemon Baffour and Steadfast midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku who both also starred at the tournament. Like Danlad, Issahaku walked away from the championship with an individual award as he was adjudged Best Player of the Competition.

"I am very happy. I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless and shocked. Could this be happening? It is so unexpected, and I thank God and the entire Asante Kotoko club for it," Danlad said on his club's official website.

"It is never easy to earn a senior national team call-up at this stage of my life and career and so you do not take this lightly at all. All I can say is Alhamdulillah. My family and my fans are all happy about this news.

"I always say that being in this great club is a great pleasure. The challenge here is the biggest anyone can get in the country.

"You cannot be here if you are not good and so it is hard work all through. And the efforts you put in here can open doors for you outside.

"I work hard every day, hoping to get the opportunity to win something for the club and the national team each time I get the opportunity."

Danlad was Ghana's No.1 goalkeeper during the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup in India.

Ghana's senior side is currently in camp preparing for an upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe on March 25 and 28 respectively.

The three new additions take the camp squad number to 27. China-based duo Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Boateng are the only foreign-based players on the team. 

Memphis Depay could be convinced to stay at Lyon if they are successful in their bid to win the Ligue 1 title, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Depay has been a talismanic figure in the Lyon squad since moving to the Groupama Stadium from Manchester United in 2017, with the 2020-21 campaign marking his best individual season yet.

The Dutchman was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last summer, and the Catalan giants are being tipped to reignite their interest at the end of the season, but Aulas is still hopeful he will extend his stay at Lyon.

What's been said?

Aulas claims Lyon have already tabled a fresh contract offer for Depay, whose current deal is due to expire at the end of June, as he told AFP: "For Memphis, I dream that he accepts our proposal, which is still relevant.

"He brings so much, he has been directly involved in 23 league goals this season. The offer will stay there and, if we are champions, why not?"

Depay's stance on his future

Depay gave little away when quizzed on Barca's reported interest in his services in December, telling reporters: "If I start thinking about my future, I might lose my focus. I am 100 per cent with OL. What will happen in the future, we'll see. That's what I've always said.

"I can't say anything about [Barcelona]. I'm here now, a lot of clubs might be interested."

However,  the following month the 27-year-old admitted that he still harbours ambitions of playing for one of Europe's elite clubs again, while claiming his team-mate Houssem Aouar is also eager to take the next step in his career.

“We know we play for a very big club but we want to go to one of the top three clubs in the world,” he said to Canal Plus. “Then you will see Houssem, he will get 10 times better. For me, it’s the same.”

How has Depay performed for Lyon this season & can they win Ligue 1?

Depay has already racked up 30 appearances across all competitions for Lyon this term, becoming the club's leading scorer in the process with 15 goals to his name.

The ex-United forward has also provided nine assists, but was frustrated in his last outing as Rudi Garcia's side were held to a 1-1 draw away at Reims.

That result meant that Lyon failed to close the three-point gap between themselves and first-placed Lille, but they did draw level on 60 points with defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, who lost to Nantes on Sunday.

Lyon have nine games left to try and win their first domestic crown since 2007-08, starting with a huge clash with PSG at the Groupama Stadium this weekend.

Further reading

Christy Ucheibe says SL Benfica are fully aware they could have "another opportunity" to retain the Portuguese Women's League Cup title against rivals Sporting CP in the final on Wednesday.

SL Benfica cruised to a straightforward 3-0 win over Sporting Braga to claim the maiden Portuguese title triumph for 2020 on January 6, with strikes from Cloe Lacasse, Ana Vitoria and Nicole.

To reach the final this term, SL Benfica beat Albergaria 2-0 in the quarter-final before silencing Famalicao to earn a 3-0 semi-final win.

And the former Nigeria youth international, whose first title with SL was the Portuguese Cup, is attaching huge significance to the final.

"Just like I do, I think everybody on the team is also seeing the match against Sporting as another opportunity," Ucheibe told Goal.

"They are a good side and we've not beaten them in our last four meetings, which means they will be difficult. I know we will not have it easy but we have to fight to claim it this time.

"The fact that we are the defending champions also means that we stand a chance and makes us feel the winner takes all.

"We want to remain a dominant force in Portuguese football and this is another chance for us to show that we have to stay at the top."

SL bowed to Sporting Braga in the Portuguese Women's Cup final last month but will aim to avoid such a setback against Sporting.

To reach the final, Sporting CP, thrashed Clube Condeixa 4-1 on their own ground in the last eight before squeezing past last season's finalist Sporting Braga, with a 2-1 semi-final victory.

The two teams have met five times in history, with Sporting winning the last three meetings while SL's only win came in 2019.

Besides Nigeria's Ucheibe, Netherlands-born Cape Verden Jolina Amani will also be eyeing her second silverware with the Lisbon outfit.

Enyimba FC coach Fatai Osho has stated Orlando Pirates are more dangerous playing as a unit than individual brilliance, as the Nigerian side prepares to face the Buccaneers in Wednesday’s Caf Confederation Cup Group A match at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates welcome their West African opponents who top the group after beating Al Ahli Benghazi in their last match, while the South Africans held ES Setif 0-0 in neutral Accra.

With the Premier Soccer League widely followed especially in English-speaking and some Lusophone African countries, Osho says that has fed them with information on Pirates, making them well aware of what they are coming up against.

“We are happy with the result we got in the last game against a very good team [Al-Ahli Benghazi]. We’re expecting the same from Orlando Pirates and we know them very well, as we do watch the South African league‚” said Osho as per Times Live.

“Pirates have a lot of brilliant players‚ but I won’t be mentioning any names. As a team, they’re more of a threat than individual players. They’re very good in the movements off the ball and their transition is superb.

“We’re quite aware of that and we know what we’re coming up against. But we’ve prepared ourselves very well.”

Making Enyimba a big threat to Pirates is their intention in this competition as Osho says they are gunning to be crowned Confederation Cup champions.

After successful years of winning the 2003 and 2004 Caf Champions League, the Nigerians have since struggled to reassert their dominance on the African continent.

“We believe strongly that we have the team that can compete in the continent,” Osho said.

“We don’t want to make up the numbers and, as we speak, we’re one of the 16 teams competing for this trophy. We want the trophy and we strongly believe we’re a contender.”

Pirates and Enyimba last met in a Caf Champions League group match in September 2006 when the Buccaneers won 1-0 with ex-Nigeria international Onyekachi Okonkwo punishing his former team with the deciding goal in Johannesburg.

Two months earlier, the two teams had shared the spoils 1-1 in Aba when Lucky Lekgwathi struck to earn Pirates an away point.

Nicholas Kipkirui has officially bid farewell to Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Gor Mahia.

Although Kipkirui, who signed with the local heavyweights in 2018, is yet to make public his next move, Goal understands he agreed on a deal to join Premier League side Ulinzi Stars.

"Goodbyes are never easy to say but the time has come for me to say it," Kipkiruii wrote on his Facebook page. "After a successful and bittersweet two and a half year journey, my time at Gor Mahia has come to an end.

"It was not an easy decision to make but it has been necessitated wholly by the need to make ends meet and take care of my family. I wish to thank everyone who helped me in one way or another during my stay at the club."

The star, who was named the Premier League New/Young Player of the Year in 2018, also picked individuals who helped him at the Green Army.

"They include club chairman Ambrose Rachier who signed me from Zoo FC plus coaches Hassan Oktay, Steve Polack and Vaz Pinto who have made me a better player," he added.

"I also wish to appreciate my teammates who have supported and pushed me towards achieving my personal and team goals. And to the fans who supported me in very many ways, thank you very much and God bless you all.

"I leave this great club as a league champion, national team player and with experience of playing in continental matches. I will always be a K'Ogalo diehard and hope to come back one day to contribute to this great club in any capacity.

"I wish the club all the best in its assignments."

Kipkirui's confirmation of departure comes after Benson Omala signed to leave Gor Mahia for a season-long loan deal with Swedish side FC Linkopings City.

Omala and Kipkirui left when Gor Mahia are in a tough season having lost six games including back-to-back defeats to KCB and Posta Rangers. It means Gor Mahia will now depend on Wilson Silva and Jules Ulimwengu as the out and out strikers.

Kipkirui leaves the Kenyan heavyweights having won the league title in 2018, 2018/2019 and in 2020 as well as the KPL Super Cup.

He arrived at the Green Army alongside Erick Castro and Erick Ogendo, who was promoted from the Gor Mahia Youth, Erisa Sekisambu from Vipers SC, Geoffrey Ochieng from Western Stima, Shafik Batambuze then serving Singida United, Kenneth Muguna who returned from FK Tirana, and Pascal Ogweno from Kariobangi Sharks.

Ochieng and Muguna are the remaining players who enjoy regular playing time with the club.

Liverpool have made "insane" and "slapstick" mistakes this season which mean it is "almost impossible" for them to finish in the Premier League top four, says Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds soared to a first English league title in 30 years last season but have stumbled badly in defending their crown in 2020-21, meaning they are at serious risk of not qualifying for the Champions League next year.

Klopp has rued errors made by his players at both ends of the pitch, and says the strengths of the teams ahead of them - as well as a series of injuries suffered by his own key men - mean he is pessimistic about Liverpool's chances of sitting at European football's top table in 2021-22.

What did Klopp say?

Speaking to Lothar Matthaus, who was guest editing German newspaper SportBild, Klopp said: “The opponent usually doesn’t need a lot of chances against us because we make big mistakes, insane ones that can almost be described as slapstick.

"On the other hand, we create a lot of chances, in the 'expected goals' we are still second behind Manchester City in the Premier League, but far from them in the ones we actually scored. This problem has been going on throughout the season.”

On qualifying for next season’s Champions League via the league, rather than winning the competition, Klopp added: “I like to be an optimist, but in the league it is almost impossible to qualify in the competition for the places that we have.

"At Tottenham, Gareth Bale is now playing again, and they are also in the running. Plus City and Manchester United, who are far away. Chelsea is on the rise. Reaching Champions League qualification through the league will be difficult, we know that. You don’t usually win the Champions League itself in a year with injury worries as big as we have, you know that, Lothar.”

What would missing out on the Champions League mean to Liverpool?

The Reds are sixth in the Premier League at the moment, five points behind Chelsea, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification slot.

They do, however, have the option of qualifying by winning this year's competition, and are in the quarter-finals after easing past RB Leipzig 4-0 on aggregate in the round of 16. Liverpool will find out their next opponents in the draw on Friday.

Asked what damage missing out on the Champions League might do to Liverpool, Klopp said they would be hit in football terms and financially - but feels it would be a lot worse for other clubs.

He said: “It would mean a huge financial loss. Otherwise not that much. I am aware: in almost all football clubs in the world, I would be questioned in a situation like our current one. This is completely normal, reality, the business. I would accept that immediately, but it’s different here in Liverpool.

"Our owners, the sports director, even the players: nobody doubts anyone here. We have accepted the situation for ourselves and fight our way through it.

Further Reading

Bayern Munich will welcome Lazio for the first time in European competition, during a Champions League Round of 16 second leg tie on Wednesday.

None of the last 21 sides facing Bayern away from home for the first time in the European Cup or the Champions League has won since France's Bordeaux won 2-0 back in November 2009.

Bayern Muinich vs Lazio Latest Odds

Since Hans Flick took charge, Bayern Munich have won their six home games in the Champions League and another win has been primed to occur at (1.32) with ZEBet.

Italian sides have lost each of their last four away Champions League visits to Bayern Munich and Lazio breaking the jinx with a win has been tipped to occur at (8.00).

A draw between the Round of 16 Champions League rivals has been tipped to happen at (5.80).

Bayern Munich vs Lazio Team News

Flick will be without Corentin Tolisso, Douglas Costa and Tanguy Nianzou as the trio will be ruled out by injuries. David Alaba, who was not available for the Bremen game due to a knock is likely to sit out of the Lazio visit too.

Manuel Lazzari and Luis Felipe ae Lazio's players who are likely to miss the Allianz Arena game due to injuries.

Bayern Munich vs Lazio Preview

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has been directly involved in 33 goals in 31 home games for the club in the Champions League; that is 28 goals and five assists. Indeed, the German side has won all 21 of their home games in the competition when Lewandowski has been on the scoresheet. 
 
In the first leg, Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest ever goalscorer in the European Cup or in the Champions League breaking Samuel Kuffour’s record from 1994. The only teenager to score in consecutive appearances in the competition for the club is Kingsley Coman in March 2016, when he was 19.  

Lazio have only won one of their last 15 away games in the Champions League (D5 L9) and are winless in the last eight in this run (D4 L4). Their last away win in the competition was back in September 2003, winning 2-0 away at Besiktas in the group stage. 

No side in the history of the European Cup or Champions League has ever progressed from a knockout tie after losing the first leg by three or more goals at home. 

Bayern vs Lazio Tips and Predictions

The Bavarians have scored a whooping 17 goals from the last five games where they conceded seven and kept no clean sheet. Lazio, meanwhile, have scored six goals in as many games and conceded 11 with just one clean sheet. Punters can grab an offer of over 3.5 goals at (1.71) with ZEBet.

Under 3.5 goals at (1.71) with ZEbet.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Guinea head coach Didier Six has stated qualifying for the Fifa World Cup is the mission of the West African country.

Since the birth of the National Elephants, they have failed to qualify for the quadrennial football showpiece.

Nonetheless, Guinea would be hoping to qualify for Qatar 2020, but they must negotiate their way past Morocco, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in Group I of the second round of qualifiers.

While revealing that all stakeholders in the country are looking forward to seeing the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations’ runners-up break the age-long jinx as stated in his contract, he admitted that the task would not be easy.

“Qualifying for the World Cup is the dream of all Guineans, be it the fans, the players or the president of the football federation,” Six told Fifa website.

“When I accepted the job, he put reaching Qatar 2022 as a clause in my contract. That said, we’ll face strong opposition in our group and our task won’t be easy, especially now that even the continent’s lesser lights have developed and are no longer soft touches.”

When asked if any African team can reach the latter stages at Qatar 2022, the veteran tactician claimed that is not a near-impossible task.

“Why not? There’s a lot of potential in Africa and there’s been a major transformation in terms of mentality,” he continued.

“In addition, there are so many African players based in Europe now. Algeria have an excellent squad, the same goes for Morocco, and we can’t forget about Egypt either.

“Now, they all must get over the idea that an African team can’t go beyond the quarter-finals, which Ghana most recently reached.

“There are many good teams such as Cote d'Ivoire, which were previously very strong but are now in the process of rebuilding.”

The 66-year-old also suggested what Guinean players must do to be more represented in European leagues like their counterparts across Africa.

“We all know that Guinean players are technically very skilled, and things in Guinea are slowly getting better,” he added.

“When the national team gets good results, players get attention from overseas. There are also clubs that have come a long way, such as Hafia and Horoya Conakry.

“People here play in their neighbourhoods and sometimes I see them playing in the street as I drive by.

“I’ll often be captivated and wait to see a shot or the end of a move. Guineans are very passionate about football.”

Fernando Santos has insisted that speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's future must stay away from the Portugal squad, while claiming that the Juventus superstar's main goal is to win the World Cup.

Juve's early exit from the Champions League has sparked talk that Ronaldo could leave the club this summer, which is also when Portugal are due to appear in the European Championship.

Santos doesn't want to see the 36-year-old's situation at the Allianz Stadium get in the way of his lofty ambitions at international level, which include lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next year.

What's been said?

"[Cristiano] has a big dream, that one I know," the Portugal boss told a press conference ahead of this month's first set of World Cup qualifiers.

"He has this big dream of participating in what we are setting out to do, that is the goal of playing in a World Cup and winning it.

"That is the main goal, the rest has to stay away from the national team."

Who has Ronaldo been linked with?

With Juve now being tipped to cash in Ronaldo at the end of the season, several high-profile destinations have been mooted for a man revered as one of the best footballers of his generation.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in bringing their all-time record scorer back to Santiago Bernabeu, with head coach Zinedine Zidane fuelling those rumours earlier this week by admitting they "could be true".

A retracing of steps to Manchester United has also been suggested for Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford with his status as a club legend cemented in 2009 after inspiring their run to three successive Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain are also being credited with an interest in the veteran striker's services amid suggestions he could link up with Lionel Messi at Parc des Princes, with his Argentine rival being tipped to leave Barcelona at the end of June.

Ronaldo's record for Portugal

Ronaldo is also the highest-scoring player in his country's history, having netted 102 goals in 170 appearances during his 18-year international career.

The forward's first appearance at a major tournament saw him inspire Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, and he helped them reach the semi-finals in 2012 before playing a key role in their run to glory four years later.

The furthest Ronaldo has ever been in the World Cup is the semi-final stage in 2010, but he also grabbed a UEFA Nations League winners' medal under Santos in 2019.

How has Ronaldo performed for Juve this season?

Despite the fact Juve have struggled in Europe while also falling behind the Serie A title race, Ronaldo has been as prolific as ever under Andrea Pirlo in 2020-21.

The frontman has scored 30 goals in 33 games in all competitions so far, including a trademark hat-trick against Cagliari last weekend.

Further reading

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba has stated they are ready to take on their rivals Kampala City Council Authority in a Ugandan Premier League match on Wednesday.

All roads will lead to the St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende when the defending champions will host the Kasasiro Boys in the top league encounter which will go a long way in determining who finishes ahead of the other at end of the first round.

Both teams have been the front runners in Uganda’s top-flight division having shared the previous seven league titles amongst themselves with three for Vipers and four for KCCA hence whoever takes the day, tilts trophy chances in their own favour.

Ahead of the match, Vipers coach Kajoba has remained bullish they have set themselves mentally and physically ready for the clash and also said they will strive to use the home advantage.

“We have set ourselves well both mentally and physically and we will go all out against KCCA FC on Wednesday,” Kajoba, who won the coach award for the month of February told the club’s official website.

“We are playing at home and it’s important for us to do our best and end the first round well.”

The Venoms will be seeking a swift return to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 defeat to URA FC on Saturday away at the Arena of Visions in Ndejje while KCCA managed to pick a point from Police FC.

The two giants will be meeting for the 31st time in the history of the league and out of the previous 30 meetings each team has collected 11 wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats with KCCA slightly ahead in terms of goals with a total of 39 goals against 35 making it a -4 goal difference for the Venoms.

Ever since Vipers started using St Mary’s Stadium at Kitende as the official home ground in March 2017, KCCA is yet to taste victory out of the three league fixtures hosted at the venue as the Venoms have won one game and drawn the other two.

The corresponding encounter ended in a 0-0 draw as both teams squandered numerous scoring chances, however, Vipers were later declared champions after the Covid-19 pandemic halted the league continuation with five matches remaining for each team to conclude the season.

Aziz Kayondo is back in contention for Vipers following splendid performances at the U20 Afcon in Mauritania and will be available for selection against KCCA after being rested for the trip to Ndejje while Najib Yiga is unavailable as he is still recovering from an injury he picked while on duty with the Uganda U20 Hippos.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt rued a lack of final-third quality by his side following their encounter against Petro de Luanda on Tuesday evening.

The two teams played to a 0-0 draw in their fourth Caf Champions League Group C match which took place in Angola's capital city, Luanda.

Chiefs were hoping to complete a double over Petro having claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at home in Johannesburg last week.

Hunt explained that both teams had good opportunities which they failed to take in an encounter that was played at Estadio 11 de Novembro. 

"Look, we knew they would be much tougher at home and they were. We also played that way where we tried to play on the counter-attack," Hunt told the media after the game. 

"So, we came back a bit, 10-15 metres back - we dropped the team down. It worked. I just thought our final ball [and] final pass around the box let us down.

"That is just due to the quality, we just have to be better there, but all in all we had a good couple of moments and they had a couple of good moments," he continued. 

"So all in all it looked a real tired performance from both sides. It was one of those things and obviously, the draw, I think, it is a fair result."

Amakhosi's best chances fell for Lebogang Manyama, whose effort brushed the upright and also missed a sitter after rounding Petro goalkeeper Signori Antonio.

The draw saw Chiefs remain third on the Group C standings - level on points with second-placed Horoya AC of Guinea and five points behind leaders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

Hunt feels a draw and a win in their final two group matches against Wydad and Horoya could be enough to earn Amakhosi a spot in the quarter-finals.

"We will possibly have to win and draw, I think it might get us in, but we have Wydad and we obviously have Horoya away which is not easy as well," he added. 

"We have had one bad result [4-0 defeat to Wydad] even in the pre-games which is good. I think we have done okay if you look at the results. 

"One bad game out of so many games even the four games we played in the beginning [qualifying rounds]. It was 1-0, 0-0, so we have had a few battling results."

Chiefs are now set to take on their archrivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby encounter which will be played at FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

Pep Guardiola has lauded "incredible" Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, describing him as "one of the most intelligent players I have ever seen".

Gundogan netted his 15th goal of the season to help City record a 2-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Guardiola's side progressed to the last eight of the competition 4-0 on aggregate after the win, and the Catalan singled out Gundogan for special praise in his post-match interview.

What's been said?

"He’s always had a sense of [where the] goal [is], playing for [Borussia] Dortmund," Guardiola told reporters.

"He’s an incredibly nice guy. He’s one of the… I will never forget the time we spent together. As a player he is one of the most intelligent, wisest players I have ever trained, I have ever seen.

"This season, every time he has arrived near the goal, he has scored the goal, he has this quality but not just that. I'm so delighted with the performance from Ilkay again and from all of the team."

Gundogan's stellar 2020-21 campaign

Gundogan has played a crucial role in City's success under Guardiola since joining the club in 2016, but was primarily known for his skills as an enforcer in midfield prior to the current season.

Guardiola has deployed the German further forward as his team have embarked on their latest pursuit of silverware across multiple fronts, and he has rewarded his manager's faith by delivering the goods week in, week out.

Gundogan has scored 12 goals in 23 Premier League outings and three in seven Champions League appearances, while also setting up a further three for his team-mates.

The 30-year-old is now being mentioned as a leading contender for the PFA Player of the Year award, as City continue their unprecedented quadruple bid.

Gundogan masterminds Gladbach's downfall

Gundogan was at his best once again in both attack and defence as City saw off Gladbach in Budapest.

A Kevin De Bruyne piledriver from 25 yards gave City the lead after just 12 minutes before Gundogan showed off his knack for finding space in dangerous areas by racing onto a Phil Foden pass and finishing calmly past the opposition goalkeeper.

He almost repeated the trick after being played through by Riyad Mahrez later in the half, and provided a constant threat going forward before being taken off for a rest with just 20 minutes left to play.

What's next?

Gundogan will be back in contention for a place in Guardiola's starting XI when City take in a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

Further reading

Orlando Pirates will be out to pick their first set of maximum points in the Caf Confederation Cup Group A when they host Enyimba FC on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.

After managing a 0-0 draw against ES Setif in their opening match in neutral Ghana, Pirates are placed second in this group and victory could see them top the table.

The Soweto giants could also find themselves dropping to third place if Al Ahli Benghazi record a victory over ES Setif at home on the same day.

They face an Enyimba side which is currently leading the standings after beating Al Ahli Benghazi in their match at home last week.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori is doubtful for this match with muscle issues after getting injured against Setif.

The Ghana number one lasted just 15 minutes in that match before being replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane.

If Ofori fails to recover in time, Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer might not be too worried as he has enough cover in experienced Wayne Sandilands and Mpontshane.

Without mentioning names, Zinnbauer complained that a number of his players were injured against Setif.

Long-time absentee Abel Mabaso has not yet recovered from injury while forwards Thembinkosi Lorch, Zakhele Lepasa and Jean-Marc Mundele are doubtful for the Enyimba match.

Enyimba coach Fatai Osho arrived in Johannesburg with his troops including forward Tosin Omoyele who returns after serving a two-match suspension.

Omoyele was shown a red card in the Confederation Cup play-off round, first leg game against their compatriots Rivers United but he is back now after missing the second leg encounter as well as the Al Ahli Benghazi clash.

There are however fitness concerns on Sadiq Abubakar who did not take part in the Benghazi match.

Match Preview

Pirates go into this match boasting an unbeaten record against Enyimba in the only two previous meetings between the two sides.

The Buccaneers held the People’s Elephant 0-0 away in Aba when the two teams first met in July 2006 in a Caf Champions League Group B match.

Then in the return leg two months later, Pirates won 1-0.

It is now Enyimba’s sixth trip to South Africa since 2005 where they forced Cape Town Spurs (then known as Ajax Cape Town) to a 1-1 in a Champions League clash.

Other visits include the 2-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria in 2016 in the same competition before drawing 1-1 against Bidvest Wits in a Confederation Cup play-off round match in 2018.

This was followed by their only win in South Africa two years ago when they defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 in another Confederation Cup play-off round encounter at Kameelrivier Stadium in Mpumalanga.

What makes Wednesday’s clash potentially thrilling is that both teams are in good form as the Nigerians go into this match on the backdrop of a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions, while Pirates have gone nine straight games without tasting defeat.