Looking for Soccer News?

Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Messi's transfer fee set for massive cut

The Buccaneers coach is refusing to let his side feel comfortable because of what looks like a commanding MTN8 last four, first leg victory

Orlando Pirates stand-in coach Fadlu David has warned his side that they “will make a mistake” if they regard themselves as MTN8 finalists, while also saying Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt should not be looked at with eyes of sympathy for not participating in the transfer market.

Pirates go into Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final, second leg away at FNB Stadium carrying what appears like a comfortable 3-0 victory from the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium.

While Pirates have enjoyed their business in the transfer market, signing big-name players like Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabang Monare, Deon Hotto and Terrence Dzvukamanja, it is a different story for Chiefs who could not beef up their squad due to a Fifa transfer ban.

But despite Chiefs' glaring struggles this season, Davids insists that they are playing “dangerous” opponents.

“You have to look at the bigger picture and the bigger picture is that Kaizer Chiefs came within 20 minutes from winning the league with this squad,” Davids told the media.

“In the last game of the season, they lost the league. They have lost only one player George Maluleka and they have exactly the same squad. Yes, the difference is in the technical team, they have a different coach.

“We know their strengths, we know how dangerous they can be especially with an experienced coach like Gavin Hunt. He is going for goals and we know they can immediately turn the game around. We will definitely not go into the game undermining Kaizer Chiefs but knowing their strengths and preparing the game as a normal 0-0 game.

“I don’t think it’s time to feel sorry for him because looking at the squad he has from last season and the squad he has now, it is definitely an upgrade in terms of the quality of players they have and squad structure. They have a quality side at the moment. Yes, they were not able to strengthen but like I said, that squad got them to 20 minutes from winning the league title.”

In an apparent reference to Liverpool’s heroic comeback in the 2005 Champions League final where they clawed their way back from 3-0 down at halftime to force a 3-3 draw and subsequent penalty shootout victory over AC Milan, Davids is wary that Chiefs can pull off such a feat.

“We approach the match like any normal match and taking the scoreline out of the equation. I think we will make a mistake if we start the match having the 3-0 scoreline in our heads," said Davids.

“We have seen the [Uefa] Champions League final where a team was leading 3-0 at half time and coming back to lose it. So we take it as our half time but our half time is not a normal 45 minutes. We have 90 minutes to play. So we will approach the game trying to score goals.

‘We know we have to approach the game by not going into it with complacency. Not thinking with one leg into the final.”

Davids says he is constantly in touch three or times a day with Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer who is on compassionate leave in his home country Germany.

Chiefs go into this match straight from a frustrating 0-0 Premier Soccer League draw against TS Galaxy while Pirates beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 away.

Original author: Michael Madyira

Ibra makes Serie A history in Milan loss to Udinese

The Moroccan outfit has confirmed the arrival of the Tanzanian striker on a three-year contract

Morocco club Moghreb Atletic Tetouan have confirmed the signing of Tanzania striker Shaaban Idd Chilunda from Azam FC.

“Our team Moghreb Atletic Tetouan has officially signed on Friday, Tanzania striker Shaaban Idd Chilunda, for a three-season professional contract, coming from Azam of Tanzania,” the club confirmed on their social media pages.

“The 22-year-old Chilunda, has carried a Spanish Tenerife shirt over the last two seasons loaned from Azam, and Shilonda has carried a shirt for all age groups of the club Nazani up to team one.

“Shaaban Idd Chilunda is thus the fourth signing of the Moghreb Atletic Tetouan during the summer window, after earlier signing defender Anas Al-Marabat, striker Hisham Al-Khalwa and goalkeeper Yahya Al-Filali.

Azam have also taken to their social media pages to confirm the exit of the player.

“Our former striker Shabaan Chilunda has officially sealed his transfer move to Morocco giants Moghreb Atletico Tetuan on a three-year contract,” Azam wrote on their social media pages.

“Earlier, Chilunda was supposed to sign for Mouloudia Oudja but the move fell through and Azam later reached an agreement with Tetuan, who moved with speed to seal his services.

“Chilunda becomes our second player to leave the country for action across Africa. Striker Novatus Dismas signed for Israeli giants Maccabi Tel-Aviv U19 team.”

Dismas had been undergoing trials in Israel for the past three weeks and the club has officially confirmed he has signed a one-year contract but with an option to extend by two more years.

“Dismas, who played for Azam FC is a member of Tanzania’s U21 national side, impressed the youth academy’s coaching staff during an impressive week at the club and will join the U19’s,” Maccabi Tel-Aviv wrote on their official website.

Maccabi’s Performance Director, Patrick Van Leeuwen, who was following the player’s performance since he arrived in Israel for the trials told the club’s official website: “[Dismas] is a Tanzanian left-footed midfielder who was recommended to our scouting department and we invited him for trials at the start of the season.

“Sadly, we were unable to hand him a trial for several weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, however, we were able to see him properly and we are under the impression that he is a very interesting player who will be joining our structure at Maccabi.”

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Conte blasts 'disrespectful' links to Juventus job

Real Madrid appear to firmly be in the process of turning their season around, and head into Sunday’s meeting with Valencia on a four-game unbeaten streak.

Things weren’t so positive back on October 23, as they headed into the Clasico against Barcelona on the back of back-to-back defeats.

Not only had Real lost the previous two matches, but in the first, they had been stunned at home by minnows Cadiz, and then conceded three times at home as they fell 3-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

After taking an early lead in the Clasico, they were pegged back sharply when Ansu Fati cancelled out Federico Valverde’s opener.

The moment was a pivotal point in their campaign.

Had Real folded, they could have been staring at a long, hard season, but Zinedine Zidane’s side are made of immense character and they responded in style late on.

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric netted inside the final half an hour as Real clinched all three points and took the bragging rights on their domestic rivals.

Since then, they held Borussia Monchengladbach away in the Champions League, and then downed SD Huesca 4-1 last weekend before downing Internazionale 3-2 in midweek.

Again, there were defensive concerns, but again, Real showed their personality in abundance, snatching a late winner through Rodrygo despite letting a two-goal lead slip.

With the wind in their sails once again, Real will be favourites once again, although Valencia have several reasons to be optimistic.

They have a strong recent record at home against Los Blancos, having lost just once in their last six matches against Real at the Mestalla. During that period, Los Che have won three and drawn two.

Similarly, in Carlos Soler, they have a player who enjoys playing against the serial European champions.

Soler has had a hand in a goal in his last two matches against Real at the Mestalla, scoring in December 2019 and contributing an assist in April last year.

However, Valencia’s recent poor form should give some encouragement to Los Merengues; they haven’t won in their last four league games, conceding twice at least in each game, and if they lose, will be on their worst winless run in the top flight since September 2018.

Similarly, Valencia have conceded one goal or more in their last 16 matches against Real in the top flight, so expect Zidane’s side to net again on Sunday.

Encouragingly for the capital club, Real are unbeaten in their last nine away games in the league—winning seven of them—and if they avoid defeat, will register their best run without a loss in the top flight since late 2017.

However, Real may be without several key players due to injury and illness.

Eder Militao is missing due to coronavirus, while Nacho will miss out due to a thigh problem.

Dani Carvajal’s knee troubles will keep him out, although there’s more hope that Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Odegaard can return from calf injuries to compete for a place.

Original author: Ed Dove

Messi jokes Pep has done 'a lot harm' to football

Real Madrid appear to firmly be in the process of turning their season around, and head into Sunday’s meeting with Valencia on a four-game unbeaten streak.

Things weren’t so positive back on October 23, as they headed into the Clasico against Barcelona on the back of back-to-back defeats.

Not only had Real lost the previous two matches, but in the first, they had been stunned at home by minnows Cadiz, and then conceded three times at home as they fell 3-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

After taking an early lead in the Clasico, they were pegged back sharply when Ansu Fati cancelled out Federico Valverde’s opener.

The moment was a pivotal point in their campaign.

Had Real folded, they could have been staring at a long, hard season, but Zinedine Zidane’s side are made of immense character and they responded in style late on.

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric netted inside the final half an hour as Real clinched all three points and took the bragging rights on their domestic rivals.

Since then, they held Borussia Monchengladbach away in the Champions League, and then downed SD Huesca 4-1 last weekend before downing Internazionale 3-2 in midweek.

Again, there were defensive concerns, but again, Real showed their personality in abundance, snatching a late winner through Rodrygo despite letting a two-goal lead slip.

With the wind in their sails once again, Real will be favourites once again, although Valencia have several reasons to be optimistic.

They have a strong recent record at home against Los Blancos, having lost just once in their last six matches against Real at the Mestalla. During that period, Los Che have won three and drawn two.

Similarly, in Carlos Soler, they have a player who enjoys playing against the serial European champions.

Soler has had a hand in a goal in his last two matches against Real at the Mestalla, scoring in December 2019 and contributing an assist in April last year.

However, Valencia’s recent poor form should give some encouragement to Los Merengues; they haven’t won in their last four league games, conceding twice at least in each game, and if they lose, will be on their worst winless run in the top flight since September 2018.

Similarly, Valencia have conceded one goal or more in their last 16 matches against Real in the top flight, so expect Zidane’s side to net again on Sunday.

Encouragingly for the capital club, Real are unbeaten in their last nine away games in the league—winning seven of them—and if they avoid defeat, will register their best run without a loss in the top flight since late 2017.

However, Real may be without several key players due to injury and illness.

Eder Militao is missing due to coronavirus, while Nacho will miss out due to a thigh problem.

Dani Carvajal’s knee troubles will keep him out, although there’s more hope that Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Odegaard can return from calf injuries to compete for a place.

Original author: Ed Dove

Projecting Mexico's World Cup roster: Who is leading the chase for Qatar?

Real Madrid appear to firmly be in the process of turning their season around, and head into Sunday’s meeting with Valencia on a four-game unbeaten streak.

Things weren’t so positive back on October 23, as they headed into the Clasico against Barcelona on the back of back-to-back defeats.

Not only had Real lost the previous two matches, but in the first, they had been stunned at home by minnows Cadiz, and then conceded three times at home as they fell 3-2 against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

After taking an early lead in the Clasico, they were pegged back sharply when Ansu Fati cancelled out Federico Valverde’s opener.

The moment was a pivotal point in their campaign.

Had Real folded, they could have been staring at a long, hard season, but Zinedine Zidane’s side are made of immense character and they responded in style late on.

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric netted inside the final half an hour as Real clinched all three points and took the bragging rights on their domestic rivals.

Since then, they held Borussia Monchengladbach away in the Champions League, and then downed SD Huesca 4-1 last weekend before downing Internazionale 3-2 in midweek.

Again, there were defensive concerns, but again, Real showed their personality in abundance, snatching a late winner through Rodrygo despite letting a two-goal lead slip.

With the wind in their sails once again, Real will be favourites once again, although Valencia have several reasons to be optimistic.

They have a strong recent record at home against Los Blancos, having lost just once in their last six matches against Real at the Mestalla. During that period, Los Che have won three and drawn two.

Similarly, in Carlos Soler, they have a player who enjoys playing against the serial European champions.

Soler has had a hand in a goal in his last two matches against Real at the Mestalla, scoring in December 2019 and contributing an assist in April last year.

However, Valencia’s recent poor form should give some encouragement to Los Merengues; they haven’t won in their last four league games, conceding twice at least in each game, and if they lose, will be on their worst winless run in the top flight since September 2018.

Similarly, Valencia have conceded one goal or more in their last 16 matches against Real in the top flight, so expect Zidane’s side to net again on Sunday.

Encouragingly for the capital club, Real are unbeaten in their last nine away games in the league—winning seven of them—and if they avoid defeat, will register their best run without a loss in the top flight since late 2017.

However, Real may be without several key players due to injury and illness.

Eder Militao is missing due to coronavirus, while Nacho will miss out due to a thigh problem.

Dani Carvajal’s knee troubles will keep him out, although there’s more hope that Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Odegaard can return from calf injuries to compete for a place.

Original author: Ed Dove

Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad: Player ratings as Red Devils qualify for last 16

Timu ya Wananchi are the only side in the top-tier that have not tasted defeat after nine matches

Yanga SC Communications officer Antonio Nugaz has stated Simba SC have little chance of winning Saturday's Kariakoo Derby.

The two sworn rivals will play each other this weekend in the Tanzania Mainland League game at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Timu ya Wananchi have been in good form this season and are currently second on the table.

"Last season, we did not have a [strong] team and they did not beat us in the league," Nugaz told Wasafi FM.

"They could only manage a 2-2 draw in the first round and in the second round we defeated them. I do not know what happened when we lost 4-1 in the FA Cup semi-final, something was wrong, but this time around we have done everything possible to ensure every player is focused on the game.

"With our current form, it is hard for Simba to defeat us, they will struggle to get a goal."

Meanwhile, a group of Yanga fans has now paraded a brand new Toyota that they have vowed to give to the player who will score the winning goal during the derby that will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

"We all know that all the Yanga players have cars and we know they own cars but now what we want is to add one of them with another car, we want a strong competition, we want every player to target a goal when we play against Simba," the fans told reporters in Dar es Salaam ahead of the derby.

"We know Simba have a very weak goalkeeper, and we want them to go for goals, we want them to score as many goals as possible, we want them to win the derby, we need the goals and that is why we have decided as fans to put the reward in front of them.

"We have decided that we must reward our players, if the game goes for a draw then we will keep our car, we will give out the car when we win, we want to be happy, so we want the players to make us happy, we don’t believe in a draw and we don’t want to lose, we all need a win and that is why we have given out this car.

"We are confident the car will go [because Yanga will win], we don’t care and in the next derby we will still have another car [to give out], we will give it out to the player who will score the winning goal, we want the players to fight for the win."

Original author: Seth Willis

Out of fear or respect, Man City and Real Madrid both held back. Who must cut loose next week?

The French coach turned down an approach from the German giants last year and his former midfielder is confident he would have been a hit

Why Chelsea's chase for Ronaldo is a warning to avoid signing Neymar

Video: Everton look to go top against struggling Man United | Goal.com

Premier League

08:43 GMT 07/11/2020

Thiago Silva Frank Lampard Chelsea 2020-21 GFX

Lampard has heaped praise on defender Thiago Silva, claiming that his players look up to the Brazilian veteran

Original author: Goal

Joao Cancelo is the perfect Pep Guardiola player

Everton can go back to the top of the table with a win against struggling Manchester United
Original author: Goal

Do away goals count in neutral venues? Champions League and Europa League matches explained

The FKF Premier League transfer window opened on August 1 and closed on November 6 and below is a guide of the confirmed transfers
Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Da Rosa: I am satisfied Simba SC are very strong and consistent

In this week's betting preview we look at Everton vs Man United, Bayern v Dortmund, Lazio v Juventus, Man City v Liverpool & Valencia v Real Madrid
Original author: Goal

Igor Stimac names 35-member preliminary squad for friendlies against Oman and UAE

Timu ya Wananchi will host their traditional rivals who have been hit with injuries and have lost a total of two games

Young Africans (Yanga SC) head coach Cedric Kaze has explained why the first 2020/21 Mainland Premier League Kariakoo Derby against Simba SC will be different.

The Burundian acknowledges the emotions the derby draws but is quick to accept the fact that Yanga are facing the defending champions of the last three seasons.

“When you look back at the history of the derby, it is a match that draws passion and huge magnitude of fans and it is set to be different this year given how the league has started,” Kaze said as was quoted by the club’s social media pages.

“I can only say we are going to play against the defending champions and they are not just the defending champions, they have been champions in the last three seasons.”

The former Vital’ O coach also explained how the Simba test will be of importance to his players.

“It is a big derby for our fans, our players and everyone associated with Yanga,” he added.

“It is going to be the perfect way to test our players and their level of preparedness. We want to see whether there are changes within our squad as compared to the last season.

“This is going to be the biggest test to show the individual brilliance of every player.”

Kaze said a win will give them a great source of inspiration when facing other league rivals as they hope to win the title they have failed to in the last three attempts.

“Without considering the league standings, we know the match will give us a step further to open the gap but the gap alone [between Yanga and Simba] will not be decisive in the title race, no,” he concluded.

“It is going to be good if we get a step further away from them but again it should serve as a source of motivation in the other matches. We will need to use the exact amount of energy against the other rivals not just against Simba.

“Therefore, I am calling upon Wananchi [the citizens] and Yanga fans to come and support the boys as we have prepared well on our part. We know it is not going to be an easy ride but we have prepared enough to deal with the bigger task ahead.”

Yanga are second on the standings with 23 points while Simba are third with 19.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

When Premier League transfer deadline day signings will make their debuts

Bloemfontein Celtic are keen to have their away goal count when they host SuperSport United in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final, second leg match at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

After the first leg ended 1-1 in Pretoria, captain Ndumiso Mabena’s strike at Lucas Moripe Stadium is what could give Siwelele a slight advantage over their visitors.

After Celtic asserted some authority in the first leg where they forced the home side SuperSport to come back from behind to settle for a draw, the Free State side would be keen to be more forceful in their own backyard.

But Matsatsantsa coach Kaitano Tembo earlier this week said they can cause an upset in Bloemfontein with an early goal.

Tembo and his men are keen to defend the MTN8 title they won last season and reaching the final would for a third consecutive year.

Saturday’s winner will meet either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs in the final.

Game Bloemfontein Celtic vs SuperSport United
Date Saturday, November 7
Time 15:00 SA Time

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV and SABC. 

Online Streaming TV Channel
DStv.com/DStv Now App SuperSport's PSL channel 202 & SABC 1

Squads & Team News

Bloemfontein Celtic welcome back goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane who was hospitalised after the first leg.

The experienced gloveman eventually missed Celtic’s midweek clash against his former club Orlando Pirates and Sipho Chaine stepped in to guard goal for Siwelele.

Midfielder Lantshene Phalane is doubtful for Saturday’s match after he was also injured in the first leg in Pretoria.

Phalane complained of his groin and missed the defeat to Pirates at home.

Celtic coach John Maduka rested a number of players against Pirates including skipper Mabena who is expected to start on Saturday.

SuperSport United coach Tembo arrives in the Free State with a slightly depleted squad following injuries to key defenders Grant Kekana and Luke Fleurs as well as midfielder Sipho Mbule.

Clayton Daniels and Bongani Khumalo who started as twin centre-backs in the first leg could again partner in Bloemfontein.

But the duo has recently received criticism that they are ageing and are no longer steely at the back as before.

Match Preview

SuperSport enter into Saturday’s contest on a high after beating Stellenbosch 1-0 in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at home on Wednesday.

It was the right tonic Tembo could have needed as they now face a side enjoying an away goal from the first leg. 

Matsatsantsa have only lost once in five matches across all competitions this season.

On the other hand, Celtic host SuperSport on the backdrop of a difficult run in their PSL campaign where they are yet to taste victory.

They go into Saturday’s match fresh from a 1-0 defeat by Pirates in a league match on Wednesday.

It was Celtic’s second league loss of the season after another defeat by Swallows FC, with their other result being a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows.

Their only win this season is the elimination of Mamelodi Sundowns from the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage.

Original author: Michael Madyira

'Lampard's Chelsea deserves patience' - Desailly has hope Blues boss won't be judged too early

Benjamin Mora has promised JDT fans that they will see more of prodigious Arif Aiman in future games after the forward impressed in his first start.

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) did not began their title defence of the Malaysia Cup in emphatic fashion but did what was required of them to easily brushed aside plucky Kuching FA 1-0 in the Round of 16 match played on Friday night to set up a quarterfinal clash against another Premier League outfit in Kuala Lumpur.

The one big sparkle from the match came from a teenager in Arif Aiman who in scoring the only goal of the match in the first half, became JDT's youngest ever goal scorer and put in an assured display throughout the 68 minutes that he featured in. All this from his first ever start for the recently crowned Malaysia Super League champions.

Head coach Mora was extremely pleased with what the youngster had shown and has vowed to give the Malaysia Under-19 international more game time in the coming games as the whole club believes that Arif has what it takes to reach the next level.

“He’s a kid. He’s a very talented and intelligent player. But he’s young and will be inconsistent, it’s a normal thing. Sometimes he’ll be very good and sometimes he won’t. But I don’t care. I have the courage and confidence to put him in the starting line-up.

"That happened to Ramadhan (Saifullah) also and this happened to Arif now. This will continue to happen. We must know that Arif is a young boy with a lot of potential. He will be rotating with Ramadhan a lot so that he can be a better player in the future and be an asset for JDT," said Mora in the post-match press conference.

The match was played in Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium as the pitch at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium was being relaid but JDT hardly looked like they were on strange grounds despite not having played there this season. JDT had total control of the match but were let down by poor finishing in addition to an inspired performance from Kuching's keeper Iqbal Suhimi.

Mora brushed aside suggestions that his side were not at the races because of the one month break between their last competitive match and this one, but suggested that there's a possibility that this pattern could well be repeated when they face KL in the next round.

“I can’t remember how many opportunities we had but it was many. The most important thing in football is to score goals. If you don’t score goals, you cannot win. It’s as simple as that. We have been scoring a lot of goals in the last games and now we are not scoring many. It’s football and that happens. 

“The most important thing is that the team fought, the team ran, attacked using both flanks and managed to have variance but we were not lucky. We knew Kuching would fight and challenge us. They did. It’s going to happen the same with Kuala Lumpur and perhaps even in games after that. 

Original author: Ooi Kin Fai

Everton monitoring Slavia Prague starlet Abdallah Sima

The club’s doctor had initially hinted the Zambian might not be involved on Saturday because of an injury he picked up against Kagera Sugar

Simba SC fans can now breathe a sigh of relief after Clatous Chama was seen training with the team despite the injury doubt which was thought to rule him out of the Yanga SC encounter.

The Zambian international has been an influential member of the Simba squad this season and has been involved in three assists and has scored two goals. During their game against Kagera Sugar, Chama was substituted with Ibrahim Ajibu with the fear he had suffered a knock.

On Friday, the club’s doctor Yassin Gembe predicted the midfielder could be out for more than 14 days.

“What I have observed on Chama after taking him through the initial medication, the problem can sideline him for at least a week or even two in order for him to get back to his previous level,” Gembe said.

“But again let us wait until we get a full report from the hospital.

“We had to get him out against Kagera Sugar because he seemed to have been in pain even after I had attended to him in the first place.”

But Chama was among the players that took part in the last training session on Friday. Others in training were; Ibrahim Ajibu, Francis Kahata, Erasto Nyoni, Larry Bwalya, Said Ndemla, Mohamed Hussein, Muzamir Yassin, Beno Kakolanya, Aishi Manula, Miraj Athumani, David Kameta, Hassan Dilunga, Ally Salim, Luis Miquissone, Charles Ilanfya, Jonas Mkude, Ibrahim Ame, Pascal Wawa, Gadiel Michael and John Bocco.

Head coach Sven Vandenbroeck will not have Meddie Kagere available as well as Brazilian midfielder Gerson Fraga but he revealed the kind of playstyle he might adopt against Yanga without the injured duo.

“We can start with one striker and have attacking midfielders like Luis Miquissone, Francis Kahata, Said Ndemla and Ibrahim Ajibu behind,” Vandenbroeck said.

“There is no doubt that the match against Yanga is a big one that touches on the emotions of many people. Having all key players available always brings more confidence but we will have to find an alternative although I have complete faith in my remaining players that they can actually do a good job.”

Chris Mugalu, who had been sidelined from the previous matches with an injury, could be available for the Kariakoo clash given that he played a few minutes against Kagera Sugar.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Chinese football in disarray as champions cease operations

The Jangwani players have been promised a brand new car if they beat their rivals in the derby on Saturday

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have bought a brand new car that will be given to the player who will score the winning goal against Simba SC in the Mainland Premier League derby on Saturday.

The two Tanzanian giants will face off for the first Kariakoo Derby this season with Yanga sitting ahead of Simba in the 18-team league table.

A group of Yanga fans has now paraded a brand new Toyota that they have vowed to give to the player who will score the winning goal during the derby that will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“We all know that all the Yanga players have cars and we know they own cars but now what we want is to add one of them with another car, we want a strong competition, we want every player to target a goal when we play against Simba,” the fans told reporters in Dar es Salaam ahead of the derby.

“We know Simba have a very weak goalkeeper, and we want them to go for goals, we want them to score as many goals as possible, we want them to win the derby, we need the goals and that is why we have decided as fans to put the reward in front of them.

“We have decided that we must reward our players, if the game goes for a draw then we will keep our car, we will give out the car when we win, we want to be happy, so we want the players to make us happy, we don’t believe in a draw and we don’t want to lose, we all need a win and that is why we have given out this car.

“We are confident the car will go [because Yanga will win], we don’t care and in the next derby we will still have another car [to give out], we will give it out to the player who will score the winning goal, we want the players to fight for the win.

“The car will be at main stadium and will be ready to be presented, but I don’t want to reclaim it back, we want it to go. I also ask Yanga fans to make sure they keep peace, football is about a win, lose or draw, so let us all accept the outcome and move forward and go home peacefully after the match.”

Last season, the two giants met three times, with the first round ending in a 2-2 draw before Yanga turned on the screw to win the second round fixture 1-0. They again faced off in the semi-finals of the FA Cup where Simba won 4-1.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi then went ahead to seal a season double – winning the Community Shield, the league, and the domestic cup – after beating Namungo FC 2-1 in the final played in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Oduor’s Barnsley manager Ismael wants more despite Nottingham Forest victory

The Toffees will host the Red Devils who are under immense pressure to win since going down to Turkish rivals in a European match on Wednesday

Manchester United travel to Goodison Park hoping to win and ease pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjær following a 2-1 mid-week Uefa Champions League loss to Istanbul Basaksehir.

Everton vs Manchester United Latest Odds

Everton are unbeaten in their last three league games against Manchester United (W1 D2) and a win for the Toffees has been valued at (2.90) with ZEbet.

Manchester United have won more Premier League games against Everton than any side has won against another in the competition’s history (36) and another win for the Red Devils has been tipped at (2.35).

Everton have drawn two matches against Manchester United in the last three games (W1 D2) and another draw to happen on Sunday has been valued at (3.55).

Everton vs Manchester United Team News

Everton will not be with Brazilian international Richarlison who is suspended but French defender Lucas Digne is expected to return after a ban.

After being dropped last Sunday, English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is expected to be the man in between Everton’s sticks at home. 

Under pressure, Solskjaer may field Jesse Lingard for the first time this season but centre-back Victor Lindelof remains a doubt.

Alex Telles is set to be available after completing the mandatory Covid-19 self-isolation period while Anthony Martial is available after completing a three-match ban.

Everton vs Manchester United Preview

Everton are looking to avoid losing three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since December 2019, while manager Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t lost three league games in a row since November 2006 with AC Milan.

After a run of scoring in 17 consecutive games, netting 39 goals in the process, Manchester United have failed to score in their last two Premier League matches (0-0 vs Chelsea, 0-1 vs Arsenal). They last failed to score in three consecutive league games in February.

Everton vs Manchester United Tips and Predictions

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored eight goals in his seven Premier League games this season, only failing to score in one game so far.

Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 12 goals in his nine Premier League away games so far (8 goals, 4 assists), only failing to register a goal involvement in one of those nine matches (vs Crystal Palace in July). Punters can therefore grab an offer of over 3.5 goals being scored at (2.67) with ZEbet.

Over 3.5 goals at (2.67) with ZEbet.

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

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

'Emery is several steps above' - Parejo praises Villarreal manager ahead of Arsenal clash in Europa League

The midfielder is eager to play against his former teammates....

Lenny Rodrigues has picked out the FC Goa's clash against Mumbai City FC as one that he is personally looking forward to in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

There are quite a few undercurrents to that clash, given that Mumbai City are managed by former FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera who parted ways with the Gaurs just before the league stage ended last season. 

On top of that, a lot of key players in Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai have all followed Lobera to Mumbai. "When there is a good coach, quite a few good players follow him too," Rodrigues had told Goal in an interview back in March. 

The Gaurs will start their new campaign against Bengaluru FC on November 22 and will then take on Mumbai City FC three days later - a fixture that Lenny is pumped up for.

"Personally, I want to give my best for every match. Last season we had a very good squad. I personally want to face Mumbai City as many players who were playing for FC Goa are playing there now," he expressed to a group of reporters on Friday.

With only two weeks ahead of the new season, Lenny has stressed that the team has to adjust to the philosophy of new coach Juan Ferrando quickly.

"We are giving our best every day to be fit enough for the competition. It's difficult. There are quite a few new players. We have to adjust to them. We do training twice a day so that we can gel very well. 

"Last season and before, I had a good understanding with Jahuoh and others. This season also we have very good players. I want to give my best the way I have done before. We have to stick to the strategy that the coach shares in training sessions," he stated.

Given that FC Goa are participating in the AFC Champions League as well this season, the 33-year-old hopes that Goa will do well in both major competitions. But at present, Lenny admits the team's focus is on the ISL. 

"Right now we are not thinking about the AFC Champions League but only ISL which starts in another two weeks. We play our first game on (November) 22nd. We have lost two (ISL) finals so far (2015 and 2018-19). This time, we have a young squad and a lot of experienced players too, along with a new coach. 

"This time, we expect to win the ISL. But we will be looking at it match-by-match. We will give our best in both competitions," he stressed. 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Robertson admits to ‘difficult situation’ with Gerrard but expects Liverpool legend to succeed Klopp

The former Gornik Zabrze star wants to continue doing well with the Gaurs...

FC Goa's Igor Angulo is adjusting well to the conditions in Goa ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Having scored more than 80 goals in his last stint at Gornik Zabrze, the Spaniard has opened his account in India with a goal in the 3-2 friendly win against Jamshedpur FC with Seminlen Doungel and Ishan Pandita scoring the other two goals for the Goans.

"The first two weeks (in Goa), I was locked in a room (mandatory quarantine in lieu of the Covid-19 protocol). After that, it has been like a normal pre-season. It is very important now to make sure our physical condition is good and to know each other well. We have to adapt ourselves to the ideas of the coach (Juan Ferrando). There is not much time but we have to make the best of the time we have to reach the best level possible. All the clubs are in the same situation so we have no excuses," said Angulo.

"I'm not used to this weather - the humidity. The first few pieces of training were a bit hard but little by little I am getting used to it and we are working hard as a team," he added.

Angulo expects a testing season, with the club participating in the ISL and the AFC Champions League. The 36-year-old is convinced that FC Goa have a competitive squad for both the competitions and feels that mental strength is going to play a crucial role this season.

"We have a good enough team to not only play in the ISL but Asian Champions League also. Mental strength will be crucial because it is so much different from the seasons before. We have to get along well as a family. I have hope for a good season.

"I never have personal targets. Football is a collective sport. For FC Goa, the target has to be to win the league, win the play-offs. This year we will be in (Asian) Champions League also and I hope to do a very good role there also. I am an experienced player, so I hope to be able to teach the younger players. And I am a striker, so I have to help my team scoring goals and create chances and do as I did in the last few years."

FC Goa are the first Indian club to play in the AFC Champions League group stages, Angulo feels that they have to take it one step at a time and not get ahead of themselves. 

"It's the first time an Indian club is going to play in Asian Champions League but now we are focused on the ISL as the Asian Champions League is very far. The most intelligent way is to go game-by-game and be close to the play-offs. All the teams will be eager to play us as we are the first team in the Asian Champions League but for us, we just have to go game-by-game," he stated.

Angulo also revealed that he was pleased with the quality in the FC Goa squad. 

"I was surprised by the quality of the Indian players. They are so motivated. We have a good mix of Indian players and foreigners. We are getting along very well and this will be crucial for this season. I hope we keep it like this till the end of the season."

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Aston Villa 2020/21 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Man & Prediction

The FC Goa skipper feels that this year's foreigners can give the team an "extra rhythm"...

Edu Bedia has been entrusted with the FC Goa captaincy for the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Thee Spaniard has been plying his trade with FC Goa for the last three years and is the only foreigner the club retained after parting ways with Sergio Lobera last year. 

He was also named as one of the club captains by the new coach Juan Ferrando. 

"I have been with this team for a while and that experience was obviously there. My job as a captain is simple - to try and help the team as much as possible. I have been captain at clubs in Spain as well. There is obviously responsibility but no pressure.

"I'm there with the three other captains (Lenny Rodrigues, Seriton Fernandes and Ivan Gonzalez) who have been elected and help the team. It's a collective responsibility of the team to help each and every individual in the team."

In addition to the 31-year-old, Goa have signed Gonzalez, Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz, Alberto Noguera and James Donachie to replace Hugo Boumous, Ferran Corominas, Ahmed Jahouh, Carlos Pena and Mourtada Fall.

"The one thing that I can say from the training sessions we have had so far is that the foreigners that we have this year can give us that extra rhythm. Obviously, we have had strength in the team last year as well, but that extra rhythm can come in handy towards the fag end of the season in getting us to the final," Bedia expressed.

After Sergio Lobera's tenure ended towards the end of last season, the former Racing Santander player expects Goa to play the same attacking brand of football that have been known for under Lobera.

"We are working a lot on the tactical elements (under Ferrando) this year which is going to make us stronger than we were last season. I believe that we will continue to play the same style of football. I think this year, we will be a lot more organised. Nowadays in football, it's not only about talent but the physical and tactical element wins you matches.

"Reflecting on the past seasons, some teams who worked better than us in terms of the tactical element had an upper hand over us and I think that is what we lacked to end up with a title," he opined.

"If we work as hard as we have been doing in the pre-season, we will be a much harder opposition for the other teams," he added.

And with regards to Mumbai City FC, who have roped in Lobera and a number of Goa's former players (Jahouh, Boumous, Fall and Mandar Rao Dessai), Bedia opted to downplay the clash. 

"Sergio has allowed the players what they are good at and that allowed us to get good results. This year, we continue to have good players as well as more tactical nuances that will allow us to continue to be a team as strong as we have been if not better.

"I've been a professional football player for 13 years and throughout my time as a professional player I have faced many past team-mates of mine as well as many coaches. So as a game, it's not that this (facing Mumbai City) will hold any more importance than the other ones. Yes, we will be facing our ex-coach and our team-mates but every game is as important as the other," he concluded.

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

FutPost.com