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Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi believes Siphelele Ntshangase did little to claim regular playing minutes and has asked why there was so much expectation on Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt to hand the player some game time when previous Amakhosi coaches did not consider him.

Chiefs announced partying ways with Ntshangase last Friday, who still had three months left on his contract, to end a difficult four-year stint at the club.

Vilakazi claimed his Chiefs exit should serve as an important lesson for the player to improve himself.

“No, not at all [he did not raise his hand up to play]. If I was him I would have to be realistic and honest to myself and ask why these other coaches did not play me in the past three or four seasons,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

“You were there in the team but not playing. You can’t go to a big team like Chiefs and you don’t raise your hand up.

"For him it is a learning curve and I hope it is not late for him to go back and learn from his mistakes and rectify them. I hope somebody else will give him a chance but only if he fixes his mentality.

“It’s unfortunate, sometimes we just need to be realistic and these boys need to understand that they are not doing us favours.

“We can’t have coaches before who did not play you and now we need to ask this other coach why he didn’t give you a chance. Then we need to look back and as what were the reasons [he didn’t play]. Steve Komphela didn’t play him, [Ernst] Middendorp didn’t play him.

“So why are we forcing Gavin Hunt to play him. Yes maybe we might not necessarily force Gavin Hunt to play him but as a coach who didn’t manage to sign players, maybe by giving him a chance he was going to contribute something and see he is a player who would add value in the team.”

Vilakazi suggests that there could have been issues between the player and the club playing out in the background, away from public glare.

“But because of certain things that were happening behind the scenes, the boy needs to learn his lessons that he was not doing anyone a favour but to himself,” continued Vilakazi.

“Playing for a big team like Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns you must know why you are there and football is his job actually. That is one thing he needs to understand that when you are playing professional football you are working. If you don’t work, you will not get paid.

“So our boys need to understand that because there is always rumours that he doesn’t go to training etcetera. If you are not going to work, somebody else will do so and get the money you were supposed to get.”

Chelsea need to sign Erling Haaland in order to challenge for the Premier League title again, according to Joe Cole.

Thomas Tuchel has taken Chelsea from mid-table to fourth in the standings since replacing Frank Lampard in the dugout at the end of January.

The Blues are still lacking firepower in the final third, as their 0-0 draw away at Leeds United on Saturday showed once again, and Cole wants to see them raid Borussia Dortmund for Haaland to solve that issue.

What's been said?

“They need one player for me, Haaland. He’s on the wish-list.” the ex-Chelsea winger told BT Sport. "He’s a No 9. There’s so much in this squad, there’s quality in all areas, such a strong squad.

“You just need that one sparkle of magic, that No 9, that focal point and it will change this club getting back to the glory days of challenging for the title regularly.”

What would Haaland bring to Chelsea?

Haaland has established himself as one of the most prolific centre-forwards in European football since joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.

The Norwegian frontman has hit 47 goals in his first 48 games across all competitions, including 12 in the Champions League, and is now being touted for a big-money summer move.

Tammy Abraham is currently Chelsea's top scorer for 2020-21, with 12 goals to his name from 30 appearances, but has been out of favour since Tuchel's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Timo Werner has only scored ten in 38 after being snapped up for £47.5 million ($66m) from RB Leipzig last summer, and Olivier Giroud is approaching the twilight years of his career at 34.

The bigger picture

It has been reported that Dortmund will be open to offers within the region of €80 million (£69m/$96m) for Haaland this summer, with Chelsea among those being credited with an interest in his services.

However, the Blues are likely to face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, while Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also being linked with the Norwegian.

Further reading

Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee believes striker Elvis Rupia deserved a goal owing to his overall display in the 1-0 win against South Sudan in an international friendly at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

The AFC Leopards forward converted Danson Chetambe Namasaka's cross in the 75th minute to help his team get a vital win.

The tactician has further lauded the Bright Stars for their good game against his charges.

"It was a tough game because South Sudan have really made huge strides forward in recent years," Mulee told Goal.

"They are a good team and [in the 1-0 win over Uganda] in the [Africa Cup of Nations] qualifiers they showed it.  

"Rupia was lively from the first whistle, he has pushed himself well from the start and I am happy he managed to score.

"If maybe he would have come off without scoring maybe it might have lowered his confidence.

"He scored at a crucial time, when we were about to substitute him, but the good thing is that we won and I am happy it happened so."

Kevin Kimani and Kenneth Muguna were introduced after the break, and the tactician has explained what inspired their introduction.

"In my plan, I did not expect to see the long balls but we had about two players who felt it was needed at some point," Mulee continued.

"We introduced Muguna and Kimani after the break which really helped the boys settle and the game changed.

"The experience was vital; [Collins] Shichenje made his debut but he struggled to settle, but when we brought Muguna in, he calmed the proceedings in midfield.

"I am satisfied with what I saw considering the fact that some players were making their debut and being an international match they have done well."

The Harambee Stars were using the game to prepare for their upcoming Afcon qualifier against Egypt and Togo.

After facing the Bright Stars, the Harambee Stars will tackle Tanzania twice in more friendlies next week.

Kenya found themselves in a difficult position in the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Comoros in Nairobi and a 2-1 loss in Moroni in November.

Only local players were summoned for the three upcoming friendlies.

Express FC captain Enock Walusimbi has blamed Kyetume FC’s tactics for the 0-0 draw during their Ugandan Premier League match on Saturday.

The Red Eagles went into the match at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku seeking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat UPDF but they found it tough to break down Kyetume, who resorted to defending to earn a point.

Walusimbi has since said they were happy to have managed to get a point from the fixture but felt Kyetume were too defensive because they were only interested in battling for a draw.

“I am happy we picked up a point at home,” Walusimbi told the club’s official website after the game.

“Kyetume seemed to be interested in the point but as a team, going forward we shall have to convert our chances and I am sure we shall.”

The Red Eagles started the game on a high note knowing a win will move them top of the 16-team table, and it was Godfrey Lwesibawa who won a free-kick in the 25th minute just outside the 18-yard area, but fired his effort wide.

The winger got another chance to open the goal account two minutes later when he beat the offside trap, then came face on with the goal but his effort was punched over the bar by Kyetume’s goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

In the second half, Kyetume forward Robert Ssentongo seemed to be a thorn in the Express backline but Uganda international Murushid Juuko was able to calm the situation especially when dealing with aerial balls.

The Red Eagles missed another chance to take the lead when Erick Kambale had two chances, first his overhead kick went off the mark before he unleashed another ball that keeper Mutakubwa stretched to push out for a fruitless corner-kick.

The draw saw Express remain third on the log on 29 points and will complete their first-round fixtures with a short trip to Lugogo to face Police FC on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Uganda Revenue Authority claimed a 2-1 win over champions Vipers SC at the Arena of Visions Stadium in Bombo to go top of the table on the same day.

Shafik Kagimu and Steven Mukwala scored for the Tax Collectors before Ceasar Manzoki found the back of the net for the Venoms late in the second half.

The win helped URA to reach 33 points from 14 matches while Vipers are second on 30 points from 14 outings.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has questioned the Mamelodi Sundowns coaches’ decision to play Rivaldo Coetzee and bench Andile Jali as well as Haashim Domingo in Saturday’s Premier Soccer League 2-1 win over Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium.

The Brazilians had to come from behind to grind out a win through Peter Shalulile’s injury-time goal after Gaston Sirino had cancelled out Stanley Dimbga’s opener for the hosts.

The match came three days after Jali produced a splendid show in the 4-0 Nedbank Cup Last-16 win over Polokwane City last Wednesday with Domingo being crowned Man of the Match.

But the two found themselves on the bench on Saturday while Coetzee got the nod for his 10th league match of the season.

“It was a fortunate win for Sundowns. The way their coaches approached the game was very disappointing,” Khanye told iDiski TV.

“They don’t have to do that. They are coaching human beings and not some iron. If you are going to take Andile Jali and Haashim Domingo who won Man of the Match [against Polokwane City] and put him on the bench, it will demoralise him.

"When other players win Man of the Match you will continue playing them.

“First, he is fighting to be in the starting line-up. Last week he started and did very well and won Man of the Match, but today he was on the bench, it kills him. Today you bring in Rivaldo Coetzee who didn’t play last week. I don't understand that.

“Andile Jali was outstanding and you put him on the bench. I don’t know if it’s because of his achievements killing him. The boy has been in the game for a while, played for Orlando Pirates and did well and then came to Sundowns and grabbed his chance. I don’t understand.

“Individual brilliance won the game; Shalulile and also Sirino. I don’t understand the substitution of Sirino.”

Sirino was taken off for Kermit Erasmus seven minutes after he grabbed the equaliser for Sundowns.

Saturday’s match also saw the return of forward Mauricio Affonso from a long-term injury as he played his first game since February 2020.

Ghana striker Emmanuel Boateng is confident they have enough quality to see the back of South Africa and Sao Tome in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

Currently top of Group C on goal difference ahead of South Africa, the four-time tournament champions will book their place at the next continental showpiece with a win in either the March 25 away fixture against Bafana Bafana or the March 28 home clash against the Falcons in Accra.

Boateng, who plays for Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League, is one of 24 players currently in camp for the upcoming games.

“I think we have been training for almost two weeks now and each and every one is ready,” former Levante forward Boateng told the Ghana Football Association’s official website.

“We train very hard as a team and the morale is already up, so we are ready to play for our homeland.

“I think it is very good because when we trained at McDan [Park], they [players] were complaining about the pitch but we need to know that is what we have, so we need to co-operate, but I think everything is perfect.

“We have the qualities to play for the nation and I think we are ready. We just need a helping hand from each other to play.

“I’m urging all Ghanaians to support us with players, and we hope to deliver what they want.”

Chasing their 23rd appearance at the Africa Cup, Ghana opened the qualifying series with a 2-0 home triumph over South Africa, courtesy of goals from Thomas Partey and debutant Mohammed Kudus in November 2019.

Three days later, Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew scored from the spot to seal a 1-0 away win over Sao Tome.

Meanwhile, another China-based player in Mubarak Wakaso spoke of how motivated the players in the squad, dominated by local-based players, are to secure their spot in the continental showpiece.

“Everything is going on well, the guys are well prepared and ready to give out their best," Wakaso said.

“What I’m seeing here is massive, everybody is doing great. They were in camp before I came and I think what I saw was different.

"They were training hard and it motivated me as a professional player to play with the local players."

Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso has stated the team are highly motivated for success in their upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

A contingent of 24 players, including two foreign-based players, are currently in camp for the March 25 away tie against Bafana Bafana and the home clash with Sao Tome three days later.

Wakaso and fellow China-based star Emmanuel Boateng are the two foreign-based men, their availability ensured by their presence in Ghana due to the prevailing off-season of the Chinese Super League.

“Everything is going on well, the guys are well prepared and ready to give out their best," Wakaso told the Ghana Football Association's official website.

“What I’m seeing here is massive, everybody is doing great. They were in camp before I came and I think what I saw was different. They were training hard and it motivated me as a professional player to play with the local players.

“They are playing in the Ghana Premier league and they are doing well in their teams that was why they were selected. They just need to be confident without any fear and from what I’ve seen, they are very confident and well-motivated.

“We can also help them with our experience. Without the fans, we are nothing so we need their support and prayers. We thank them for standing by us always."

Ghana's camp of virtually home-based players is a proactive move on the part of the FA and coach CK Akonnor, who foresee a possible rejection of call-ups by foreign-based players who largely make up the Black Stars squad when everyone is available..

With coronavirus safety concerns, related travel restrictions and quarantine measures on return from a foreign trip, most clubs, particularly in Europe, are hesitant to give players the green light to travel abroad.

Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson, who could lose Ghana duo Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp, Cote d'Ivoire winger Wilfried Zaha and Senegal ace Cheikhou Kouyate for about two weeks should they head for national duty in the upcoming break, has been among the most vociferous complainants.

Ghana sit top of qualifying Group C ahead of the last two rounds of games. 

In many ways, this was an Indian Super League (ISL) final that promised a lot. Two clearly superior teams right through the season had earned the right to fight for that piece of silverware.

And it was a clash between two sides who profess their own, vastly different, styles of football. It was Sergio Lobera vs Antonio Habas. Both are probably the two most successful coaches ever to have graced the ISL. While Habas had the upperhand in terms of silverware, having won the title twice, Lobera had managed to guide two of his teams to the League Winners Shield (though he never had won the ISL outright till Saturday). 

And it was Lobera and Mumbai who would triumph on the night, registering their third win over ATK Mohun Bagan this season, which ensured a pretty complete season - the first time a club had won the League Winners Shield and the ISL trophy. 

Fans tuned in to watch the game, expecting a titanic encounter featuring some of the best players in the league. A terrific Mumbai City attack against a rock-solid ATKMB backline, 

However, despite what was an ultimately engrossing encounter, it turned out to be a fixture defined by errors - forced and unforced. 

Mumbai City, perhaps guilty of starting the game slowly, were the first to commit a fatal sin. ATK Mohun Bagan's hardworking front two of Roy Krishna and David Williams were pressing high along with their wing-backs and central midfielders. 

Mumbai, in their dogged attempt to pass the ball out from the back had a couple of close shaves early on but did not learn from the signs. Amey Ranawade and Hugo Boumous were caught out in possession and David Williams buried the prasad (offering) with gratitude.

But thankfully for Lobera and co, the rest of the defining drama in this final of errors were to take place in the opponent's penalty box (of course, there was another in their own box which was ruled out).

The famed defence of ATK Mohun Bagan eventually let them down when it mattered the most. In fact, it let them down on three occasions and all against Mumbai City FC, the League Shield and ISL winners.

The equaliser came at a time when the Mariners were absolutely bossing the game and Mumbai were struggling to get their fullbacks and attackers involved in the game. A hopeful long-ball from Jahouh was headed into his own net by Tiri, who had no idea where his goalkeeper was. Arindam Bhattacharya was also at fault for not communicating with Tiri about his whereabouts. 

It is not often that a Habas team gifts their opponent an equaliser in a final. But that is what happened. And they were not done yet. 

Interestingly, there was also another error in the Mumbai box when Hernan Santana kneed a clearance into his own net but thankfully for him, that goal was ruled out because Roy Krishna was adjudged to have blocked Amrinder Singh's vision from an offside position. Phew!

For the winner, Mumbai passed the ball around among themselves and just when it felt and left the fans exasperated as to why the players are playing the ball in their own half, Mourtada Fall sent in a long ball. Bartholomew Ogbeche made a dash forward and put his physicality to good use to brush aside both Tiri and Sandesh Jhingan. Arindam Bhattacharya, who won the Golden Glove, came off his line to chest the ball but couldn’t get it right.

While Jhingan went to goal-line, Tiri and Bhattacharya on second attempt to failed to win the ball off Ogbeche, who once again showed that he is equally adept at keeping the ball on the ground and used all his experience to remain calm. The onrushing Pritam Kotal too couldn’t do much as Ogbeche just side-stepped for Bipin Singh to slam home and score the winner.
 
 It was ironic that each member of the Bagan defence had a chance to win the ball or at least deny Ogbeche but none could succeed. 

Antonio Habas could possibly point at the disallowed goal scored by Mohammed Rakip which was not awarded with Roy Krishna being in an offside position however, Mumbai too were denied a spot-kick when Bipin went down under Kotal’s challenge in the first half.

Ultimately, in a comedy of errors, ATK Mohun Bagan's defence stole the show (for the wrong reasons) and Mumbai City went home jubilant.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he does not feel sorry for David Moyes' woes at Old Trafford and has nothing but respect for his work with West Ham United this season. 

Moyes' Hammers visit Old Trafford on Sunday with both clubs gunning for a place in the Champions League, after years of underachievement for the Londoners. 

And while the Scot's spell in Manchester failed to yield results, Solskjaer is impressed with what he has seen in 2020-21. 

What was said? 

“I don't think you can feel sorry for someone who has managed Manchester United," the Norwegian told reporters when asked of his predecessor in the role. 

“David wouldn't have taken it if he didn't want the job.

“It's a dream job for many, many managers and unfortunately David didn't last for as long as he would have wanted.

“But he's proving again what he's capable of at West Ham.

“In football, you shouldn't be surprised at anything, but I've got to say that David has made massive improvements with the West Ham team – this season and last season as well.

“They have got [Michail] Antonio really flying, [Tomas] Soucek is scoring goals – and he has really built on that.

“After a poor start – I remember they lost 2-0 to Newcastle on the opening day – David made some decisions, stuck with them, and they are up there on merit.

“You don't get results over a long period without working at it – and you can see how well organised they are.”

The bigger picture

Moyes became United's first new managerial appointment in almost three decades in 2013, when he took over from the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Ferguson had picked out his compatriot as the ideal successor due to his exploits with Everton, but he never looked comfortable in the role and was sacked after less than a season in charge with the Reds languishing in seventh place in the Premier League. 

The manager moved on to enjoy brief spells at Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham, taking the Hammers helm between November 2017 and May 2018 and returning for a second stint in December 2019. 

Under his stewardship West Ham have risen to fifth in the table and are in the running to compete in the Champions League for the first time in club history - their last taste of European football came in the 2016-17 Europa League. 

United, meanwhile, went on to dismiss Moyes' replacement Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho prior to Solskjaer's arrival in December 2018, making the Norwegian their fourth boss in less than five years upon appointment.

Further reading 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp knows exactly what is needed to rescue a disappointing campaign for his charges: the club's seventh European Cup/Champions League crown. 

A nosedive in form that began around the festive period has seen the Reds drop to eighth in the Premier League standings, effectively ending their chances of retaining the title lifted last season. 

But the Merseysiders remain alive and kicking in the Champions League, a competition in which Klopp also has recent history. 

What was said? 

“It would be a dream yeah, so why not? But we really are not in a situation thinking that. We are really happy beating Leipzig and going through to the quarter finals and in the last eight," the German told reporters when asked about his side's prospects in Europe. 

“James Milner said to me its a fourth quarter final and five times in Europe since I was here so yeah, that's good.

“But we are not in a situation sitting here and telling already the fairytale of how it all could end.

“What we think, what we wish, what we dream and all those kind of things is completely different but being ready for Wolves is the only concern and the only thing I am busy with and using the positives of the Leipzig game which is very helpful.

“But then look, yes it is the last eight of the Champions League but the last eight are historically tricky.

“The other seven teams will be very good. It's not 100% who they all are yet but the few who are already in there and those who look likely they will be in, yes.

“There are no easy games but then in those games lets give them a proper game yes, that is the plan whoever it is, definitely, that's the plan.

“But not today. It's in three or four weeks when the next round will be played but we have enough time until then and we try to use it as good as possible.”

Seventh heaven? 

Liverpool currently boast six wins in the European Cup/Champions League, a tally that places them joint-third in the all-time competition ranking alongside Bayern Munich, one behind Italian giants Milan in second. 

Real Madrid are the undisputed kings of the tournament, having lifted the title an incredible 13 times - including the first five editions back to back between 1955 and 1960 and four triumphs in five seasons from 2014-18.

The Reds' most recent success came in the 2018-19 final over Tottenham, having reached the final the previous year against Madrid.

And despite their Premier League woes, Wednesday's accomplished 2-0 last-16 victory over RB Leipzig to clinch a 4-0 aggregate win showed that on their day, Klopp's charge must be taken seriously.

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has insisted he has no interest in the battle for supremacy in London, as that accolade will come automatically if Arsenal reach his goal of being Premier League champions.

Arsenal face Tottenham in a north London derby on Sunday, and they head into the game with only Fulham and Crystal Palace from the London contingent below them in the table.

The Gunners are staring up at Tottenham, West Ham and Chelsea in the table, but Arteta is not fazed by that fact.

What was said?

“No,” he said to the Mirror, when asked if being the fourth-best team in London was acceptable. “We want to be the best - and not in London.

“We want to be the best in the league.

“That is the standard we have to try to reach because of the expectation we have and what this club has done over the years.

“I’m not interested about London. I’m interested about the whole country and being the best in the country.”

The balance of power in London

Arsenal have lagged behind in the battle for supremacy in London since 2016, when they finished second in the table to shock winners Leicester.

When will Arsenal be primed for a title challenge?

Arsenal’s challenge failed to get off the ground this term and they are struggling to secure a place in Europe for next season.

Arteta’s aim is to see progress, but does not know when they will be title contenders.

“The way we are going to evolve this squad is not being done in this window,” he said. “It’s going to be a constant thing and it has to be a constant thing.

“When you talk about the transfer windows, it’s very difficult to explain as well about these transfer windows and how they were dealt with.

“The progression of the team and when we are able to do that?

“I don’t know. If I would know, I would give you a date.

“What I know is that tomorrow it has to be a better team than today.”

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says anyone writing off David de Gea is "completely wrong" as he backed the longtime Manchester United goalkeeper to continue to push Dean Henderson for that No. 1 spot.

De Gea is currently in quarantine at his home after returning from Spain, where he was allowed to travel to be with his partner for the birth of their first child, paving the way for Henderson to start on Sunday against West Ham.

Henderson has started each of the three games that De Gea has missed so far, allowing just one goal from those clashes with Crystal Palace, Manchester City and AC Milan.

Solskjaer on his goalkeeper battle

“David has been here for 10 years and he has been absolutely brilliant for us. He has pulled off save after save, season after season, at the highest level," Solskajer said.

“Dean is learning. Dean is getting better and better, he's improving. There is no such thing as an undisputed No 1 here. You have got to perform.

“I'm not blind. I have seen the media in the last couple of weeks, with people writing David off. That is completely wrong. David is a top, top goalkeeper.

“He was allowed to go home for the birth of his first kid and Dean has come in and performed really well. I am sure he will play well again."

Solskjaer added: “I'd rather have three very good goalkeepers rather than none – and I am in the very fortunate position that I have got two really top ones.

“It's a great position for me to be in and it's a great challenge for the two of them.

“They know they have to perform. They have to train well, give to the team and whichever one isn't playing has to support the other one from the bench. It's a good dynamic.”

De Gea's Man Utd history

The Spanish goalkeeper has come under scrutiny in recent months, despite a number of standout seasons at Old Trafford.

De Gea originally made the move to Manchester in 2011, and has been Man Utd's No. 1 ever since.

He's made 434 total appearances for the club, claiming a Premier League title, an FA Cup, a Carabao Cup and a Europa League crown during his Man Utd tenure.

Henderson, meanwhile, returned to Old Trafford this summer after shining on loan at Sheffield United last season.

The English goalkeeper has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

Further reading