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Borussia Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer says the club have won the lottery with Giovanni Reyna, with it his belief that the United States youth-team star has the same potential as Christian Pulisic.

Reyna has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom since joining his hometown club New York City FC back in 2015.

The 17-year-old spent four years in the MLS side's youth set-up before being snapped up by Dortmund, where he has quickly established himself as a regular in Lucien Favre's senior team.

Reyna took in 17 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at Westfalenstadion, and has been trusted with a more prominent role at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

The midfielder has contributed two goals and five assists to Dortmund's cause across 10 outings, making an impressive impact in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Cramer thinks Dortmund hit the jackpot when they signed Reyna, whose career trajectory is currently mirroring that of fellow countryman Pulisic.

Pulisic also moved from MLS to Germany at the age of 16, and went on to appear in 127 games for BVB before being sold to Chelsea for £54 million ($70m) in 2019.

Cramer told Goal and SPOX of the impact Reyna has had on and off the pitch at Signal Iduna Park: "His potential is huge. Just like Christian (Pulisic), he is not only an outstanding footballer, but also a really good guy. For us, it is a six in the lottery in terms of sport and marketing.

"But the latter component was not decisive for us bringing in the boy. We do not commit to deals according to nationality or marketing value, but according to sporting criteria.

"But it is a nice coincidence that someone from marketing can use [the signing] meaningfully."

Reyna will be back in contention for a place in Favre's starting XI when Dortmund take in a trip to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The German giants are currently sitting third in Group F on three points, having bounced back from a 3-1 defeat away at Lazio by beating Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 on matchday two.

After their latest European outing, Dortmund will look ahead to the first Klassiker clash of the season against Bayern Munich on Saturday, with only goal difference separating the two clubs at the top of the Bundesliga standings after six fixtures.

Swallows chairman David Mogashoa has confirmed the signing of former Bidvest Wits defender Sifiso Hlanti.

The 30-year-old had been training with Kaizer Chiefs for just over a month, hoping to land a contract had the Soweto giants’ transfer ban been lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But after CAS threw out Chiefs’ appeal, the club released Hlanti, together with goalkeeper Brandon Peterson and midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange who were also training at Naturena.

The length of Hlanti’s Swallows contract is however yet to be made known.

“Welcome to the Birds Nest Hlanthi,” Mogashoa announced on social media.

Hlanti joins a host of other players including Keagan Ritchie, ex-Orlando Pirates star Thabo Matlaba, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Sammy Seabi who have joined Swallows for the 2020/21 season.

The Dube Birds have been one of the most active clubs on the transfer market, signing at least 14 new players.

The Soweto side has also extended loan deals of Kaizer Chiefs quartet, Given Thibedi, Ayanda Rorwana, Sizwe Twala and Itumeleng Shopane.

Hlanti could make his Swallows debut when they visit Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila for a Premier Soccer League match on Wednesday as they seek to build on a draw and victory they had recorded in their campaign so far.

It is not yet clear where Peterson and Nange are headed to after they were allowed to join teams of their choice by Chiefs.

After failing in their CAS appeal, Amakhosi coach Gavin Hunt is working with the players he inherited from former coach Ernst Middendorp.

The former Bidvest Wits coach had hoped to sign Hlanti, Peterson and Nange, all of whom he coached at the now-defunct side.

The tactician’s hands are tied in the transfer market as he witnesses a Chiefs blunt strikeforce with forwards yet to score goals in four games as chief striker Samir Nurkovic is out injured.

Also a jittery defence, easily unlocked by Sundowns and Pirates, is another concern for Hunt.

Manchester United will need to dip back into the transfer market in January as they remain a team in “transition” that lacks “characters” and “identity”, says Peter Schmeichel.

The Red Devils have found the going tough through the opening months of the 2020-21 campaign.

Impressive performances have been put in on a Champions League stage - while progress has been made through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup - but Premier League form remains a source of concern.

No top-flight victories have been secured at Old Trafford this season, with just two taken in total from six games so far.

United are enduring their worst start since David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure in 2013-14, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the latest coach to find consistency hard to come by.

A 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal was suffered last time out, in a game which saw the Red Devils severely lacking in creativity, with Schmeichel of the opinion that more money needs to be thrown at long-standing problems.

The legendary former Red Devils goalkeeper told beIN Sports: “They are inconsistent. Make no mistake, this is still a team in transition and a developing team.

“They still need to bring new players in. It’s still a team that needs to find its identity and to find the main characters of the team. That was evident [against Arsenal].

“It was very hard to see what we were trying to do. I have to say, it was made fairly easy for Arsenal.

“It’s something that needs to be worked at. I still think we’re trying to recover from the 27 years of one manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] and finding a new identity.”

Schmeichel believes too many so-called stars are failing to deliver for United at present, with Paul Pogba among those seeing their performance level called into question while the likes of Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood contend with issues on and off the field.

“I think some of the big players need to improve,” Danish icon Schmeichel added.

“There are a few players in there that are recovering from a lot of unwanted media attention that has nothing to do with football.

“A few big players are under pressure from external things, like Maguire and Greenwood.

“You have to be happy, the camp has to be happy, to challenge for titles.”

United, who will be back in Champions League action away at Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday, have slipped to 15th place in the Premier League table.

Johnathan McKinstry has revealed why he opted to recall veteran players Tonny Mawejje, Murushid Juuko, and Denis Iguma in the Uganda Cranes squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.

The Northern Irish coach shocked many while naming the provisional squad of 22-local-based players after he recalled the three players, who are yet to play active football for the past one year.

Iguma only returned from injury, while Mawejje has not played active football since leaving Al-Arabi last year and Juuko only signed for Express FC two weeks ago after a year out without action.

“There are three guys who have huge experience and have played at really high levels of the game but for some reason, the last nine or ten months have not been as they would have liked them to be,” McKinstry told media at Lugogo as quoted by Kawowo Sports.

“But also for all of them, they have moved categories recently because by signing for a UPL team means they are eligible for Chan.

“We are going to start preparing for chan around December 14. So, if I wait until then to see Tony [Mawejje], Murushid [Juuko], and Denis [Iguma] in our training environment then it is probably late for them.”

On why he believes the three deserved to be part of the six-day training session for local-based players, McKinstry explained: “This was a case of we have six days training with the local guys so let’s bring them in and see where they are physically and technically and even how they fit into our system.

“If you think about it, the type of Cranes team that they played under is a different one that we are building now, so it is a great opportunity for them to come and see how we are developing the team.

“You should never discard experience because it is so valuable. The trio holds huge experience that can only help the young boys but it is down to their performance. No one gets a free ticket just because of their experience.”

Uganda will host South Sudan in the first meeting on November 12 at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende (4 pm) before they face off again five days later in Kenya.

Players in camp: Goalkeepers: Alionzi Nafian (URA FC), Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Mutakubwa Joel (Kyetume FC).

Defenders: Ndahiro Derrick (SC Villa), Galiwango Disan (Vipers SC), Willa Paul (Vipers SC), Mandela Ashraf (URA), Iguma Denis (KCCA FC), Kato Samuel (KCCA FC), Juuko Murushid (Express FC), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC), Mbowa Patrick (URA FC).

Midfielders: Mawejje Tony (Police FC), Kyeyune Saidi (URA FC), Kagimu Shafiq (URA FC), Watambala Karim (Vipers SC), Owori David (SC Villa), Anukani Bright (KCCA FC).

Forwards: Oriti Ibrahim (Vipers SC), Karisa Milton (Vipers SC), Mukwala Stephen (URA FC), and Ahebwa Brian (KCCA FC).

Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane are “cheating” when making theatrical plays for penalty decisions, says Danny Murphy, with the Liverpool and Tottenham forwards forcing the hand of match officials.

Simulation has become a buzzword again in the Premier League on the back of another eventful round of English top-flight competition.

During Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 win over West Ham at Anfield, Salah threw himself to the ground under pressure from Hammers defender Arthur Masuaku.

There was contact, with Jurgen Klopp among those to have spoken out in support of his Egyptian frontman, but whether there was enough to hit the turf has become a subject of much debate.

Murphy is among those who feel that too many players in the modern era have become masters of the dark arts, with tumbles taken at any given opportunity.

Plenty have pointed out that players have to go down in order to highlight the fact that they have been clipped, with few big calls made when the decision is made to remain upright.

Questions will, however, continue to be asked of whether the faintest of touches is enough to justify a penalty award, with superstar performers blurring the lines when it comes to sporting etiquette.

Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Murphy told talkSPORT of those who push the boundaries: “Callum Wilson, Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, they all did it, and it’s something so many forwards do now which is using the inefficient refereeing and the rules to get penalties.

“I don’t want to see it. They’re all doing it, they’re all cheating, they’re all manipulating the referee – you can use what word you want.

“And it’s not going to stop, because you don’t get penalties if you don’t go down! Actually, the only way you’re going to stop it is if defenders stop doing stupid tackles. You can’t go in for a tackle in the box, you’ve just got to stand your ground.

“But why can’t referees have the intelligence and common sense to see through it? They can see they’ve over-exaggerated, they’ve overdone it, they’ve dived and after the event, delayed, they’ve thrown themselves to the ground – don’t give the penalties!”

It is not the first time that Salah has found himself at the centre of such a storm, while Spurs striker Kane is also back under the spotlight after going down under pressure from Adam Lallana in his side’s 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Schalke have confirmed AC Milan's interest in Liverpool-linked defender Ozan Kabak.

Kabak has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in European football since moving to Schalke from Stuttgart for €15 million (£14m/$18m) in June 2019.

The 20-year-old signed a five-year contract at Veltins-Arena, and has since racked up 30 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring three goals.

It has been reported that Liverpool have opened talks with Schalke over a possible deal for Kabak, who has a €45m (£41m/$53m) release clause in his contract which will become active next summer.

However, the German club have already turned down an approach for a prized asset from another high-profile potential suitor, with Milan told the centre-back was not for sale towards the end of the last transfer window.

Schalke sporting director Jochen Schneider told WAZ of the Rossoneri's attempt to sign Kabak: "Milan knocked at the very end of the transfer period in the summer, which was out of the question for us."

The Turkey international is currently serving a five-game suspension after being punished for spitting in the direction of Ludwig Augustinsson during a 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen on September 26.

Kabak was sent off in the second half after receiving two yellow cards, and although the referee missed the incident with Augustinsson, the German Football Association took retrospective action against him for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

The former Stuttgart star is set to sit out a DFB Cup first-round clash against Schweinfurt on Tuesday, but will be available for selection again when Schalke take in a trip to Mainz on Saturday.

Schneider is looking forward to seeing Kabak back on the pitch, having seen the defender establish himself as a key member of the squad since returning from lockdown.

“Ozan is simply a great player, he was one of the few bright spots even after the restart in May," the Schalke chief added.

"Now he will help us to become even more stable defensively and, with his strength at set-pieces, also more dangerous offensively."

Manuel Baum's side have struggled in Kabak's absence, slipping to 17th in the Bundesliga standings after six fixtures, but did manage to pick up a 1-1 draw in their last outing at home to Stuttgart.

Roberto Firmino looks “blunt” in a No.9 role at Liverpool and may benefit from having a rest after losing his “sharpness”, says John Aldridge.

The Brazil international has led the line for the Reds throughout Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

He has been a key component in a side that has savoured Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League glory.

Firmino’s end product has diminished, though, through recent months, with just one goal recorded in the 2020-21 campaign.

His position is coming under threat from the in-form Diogo Jota, with Aldridge among those who feel that the South American should be taken out of the firing line until he rediscovers his spark.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo: “I am still a big Bobby Firmino fan, I love him as a player and what he brings to the side, but things are not good with him and haven’t been for some time now.

“He’s dipped well below his best for the last year or so and maybe he does need a rest. He certainly needs something because at the moment we’re not seeing the player who has played such a key role in the rise under Jurgen Klopp.

“He’s blunt, he’s lost that sharpness and he’s not getting in the box enough.

“He will know and the manager will know - I do myself as a centre forward - that it’s just not happening for him at the moment.

“He seems to be doing all his work in areas where it’s not hurting defenders and needs to be causing them problems in and around the box.

“I do still think we need him because he’s a fantastic player but the manager has got to find a way to get him ticking again in the way he was a couple of years ago.”

Firmino has rarely been prolific across his career to date, but can usually be relied upon to chip in with a healthy haul of goals.

That has not been the case of late, with the target found on just two occasions in his last 18 appearances across all competitions and three times through 28 outings.

Petr Cech has revealed that he recommended Chelsea sign Edouard Mendy after following him for years, while describing him as "the best on the list" of the Blues' possible goalkeeping targets.

Mendy completed a £22 million ($29m) move to Chelsea from Rennes in September, committing his future to the club through to 2025 in the process.

The Senegal international helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history last season, impressing enough to convince the Blues he was the right man to solve their issues between the sticks.

World-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga lost his place in the Chelsea net after an error-strewn 2019-20 campaign, with 39-year-old Willy Caballero asked to fill in for the Spaniard before Mendy's arrival in west London.

Mendy has quickly nailed down the number one spot in Frank Lampard's starting line-up over the past few weeks, while recording an impressive five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.

The 28-year-old's latest shut-out came during a 3-0 win at Burnley on Saturday, which saw him become the first Blues keeper to begin their career with three successive Premier League clean sheets since Cech back in 2004.

Cech, who was a surprise inclusion in Lampard's latest Premier League squad as an emergency option, says he advised Chelsea to make a move for Mendy in 2019, having seen him enjoy a rapid rise to prominence in Ligue 1.

"I've been following him for three-and-a-half years, when he was at Reims. At the start, it was Christophe Lollichon who told me about him, because he had been unemployed," the 38-year-old told L'Equipe of the ex-Rennes star.

"Since then, Edouard has continued to improve, season after season. When it became clear last summer that a new goalie was needed to compete with Kepa and Willy Caballero, I internally suggested several names, including Edouard.

"And I insisted that I thought he was the best on the list. My advice was followed."

Cech added on the need for Mendy to maintain his high standards as the season progresses, with the door still open for Kepa and Caballero to win back a spot in the team: "It has been a continuation of his performances with Rennes. 

"He is a very calm goalkeeper, who knows how to keep it simple and efficient, who reassures his team-mates.

"He must continue to evolve at this level to keep his starting place, as the competition with Kepa and Willy remains open."

Kylian Mbappe has joined fellow forwards Neymar and Mauro Icardi on the sidelines at Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants revealing that a hamstring problem will keep their World Cup winner out of a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.

Thomas Tuchel admitted at his pre-match press conference that a 21-year-old striker was nursing a slight knock.

PSG had attempted to play down the severity of that ailment, with Mbappe considered to be suffering from “fatigue”.

The France international has, however, been ruled out of a European date with Leipzig on Wednesday.

He has been unable to take part in full training during the build-up to that fixture, with the decision now taken for him to sit out a crucial contest in Group H.

In a fitness update posted on PSG’s official website, the French title holders said of Mbappe: “Out of the match against Nantes [last Saturday] with muscle discomfort in the right hamstring, he is not available to travel to Germany and his unavailability will be reassessed in 48 hours.”

Tuchel is now going to have to get creative when it comes to his attacking selection against Leipzig.

That is because PSG are also currently without the services of Brazil international Neymar and Argentine frontman Icardi.

The South American duo are not expected to be seen again until after the November international break.

Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler, other members of the walking wounded at Parc des Princes, are also being ruled out until the end of the month.

It could be that they come back into contention for a trip to Monaco on November 20.

PSG will hope to be in a strong position on domestic and continental stages by that point, as a meeting with Leipzig is set to be followed by a home date with Rennes on Saturday.

Tuchel’s side have taken three points from two European games so far, having followed a shock defeat to Manchester United with victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, while they are already two points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 standings after taking seven wins from nine fixtures.

Lionel Messi needs to be treated in a “very special way” at Barcelona, says Ivan Rakitic, with a former team-mate of the mercurial Argentine admitting that a player of his ilk may never be seen again.

A standing among the all-time greats has already been secured by a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

At 33 years of age, though, it is yet to be determined where the final chapters of a remarkable career will be written.

Barca are hoping to see a one-club man extend his association with them beyond the summer of 2021, but exit thoughts have already been formed.

Messi pushed for a move elsewhere on the back of a disappointing end to the 2019-20 campaign, only to see the Blaugrana block his path.

As things stand, he will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with any of his many suitors from January.

A presidential election is set to be held at Camp Nou before then, as Josep Maria Bartomeu is forced out amid a vote of no confidence, and it may be that change leads Messi to reconsider his options.

Rakitic hopes that proves to be the case, with the ex-Blaugrana midfielder aware of the need for those in Catalunya to handle a mercurial talent with care.

He told Muchodeporte: “Players of that level are different from everyone else and the other players have to take care of them in a very special way because of their ability to make a difference.

“We do not know if in the future we will be lucky enough to see a footballer like Leo again.”

While Barcelona are refusing to give on keeping Messi around, presidential candidate Pere Riera has claimed that the South American will be given no special treatment if he takes the reins at boardroom level.

He has told Radio Marca: “In my opinion, Messi has to stay at Barcelona and not with history. It's not good for anyone.

“In the end, it's Messi who decides [his future]. I very much doubt that Messi wanted to leave Barcelona [in the summer].

“I wouldn't pull out all the stops for Messi."

Former Barca boss Quique Setien, who was relieved of his duties over the summer, has told El Pais that Messi can be “difficult to manage”, given his standing in the global game.

The President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has described Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin as ‘world-class’.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at the venue on November 13.

The 15,000 seater capacity stadium is wearing a new look following renovation carried out by the Edo State Government.

Pinnick, who inspected the venue ahead of the Super Eagles game, expressed his delight with the improved facilities he met on the ground.

”There is a tremendous improvement compared to the last time I came, the turf is very brilliant, it’s what you see in world-class facilities. I thank the government of Edo for this facility and we are proud of this achievement,” Pinnick told NAN.

“The Super Eagles can’t wait to come and play in the state. I’m in touch with the players, who are all excited to be here to play for the country especially, Ahmed Musa, the captain of the team, whose mother is from Edo and he is anxious to play for the nation and his State.

“The NFF will move into the state on Friday, November 9, while the players will start arriving from November 11 and after the game, make preparations to fly to Sierra Leone on Friday or Saturday after the game.

“I will communicate all I have seen here to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and also the Executive Committee. I am happy with what we have seen here today and the Super Eagles will be playing here for a long time.

 “We’ve always been thankful to Edo government for being there for the Nigeria football federation, and we thank them for that generosity at every point in time because these are very sensitive times.”

Pinnick also revealed the federation will allow fans into the stadium but at a reduced seating capacity and will adhere strictly to Covid-19 guidelines.

“We are also working because there have been a lot of people coming into the stadium, we have to observe the Covid-19 protocol to the letter. They have written to us officially, this is about a 15,000 sitting capacity stadium,” he continued.

“They want about 6,000 to 7,000 where they will sit out to observe social distancing, so we are going to look at it, we will send a letter to the ministry and also send a letter to Presidential Task Force, once we get the approval within the next two days we will send.

“I have already spoken to Caf, we will send a representative of Caf and I will want a situation whereby people will see a decent crowd in the stadium in a very competitive game in Edo.

“We are working towards reducing every mistake humanly and materially possible and ensure we have success.”

Nigeria currently lead Group L with six points after securing victories against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho.

The Super Eagles played friendlies against African champions Algeria and Tunisia in October as part of their preparations for Sierra Leone.

Pat Nevin has acknowledged that Hakim Ziyech is "an even better player than I thought he was" while describing the Chelsea new boy as "top class".

Ziyech has settled into his new surroundings at Stamford Bridge quicker than expected following his €40 million (£36m/$47m) move from Ajax earlier this year.

The 27-year-old missed the start of the season with a knee injury, but was handed his first start for the Blues in a Champions League clash with Krasnodar last week.

He produced a lively performance on the right of a front three and also got his name on the scoresheet in a 4-0 victory over the Russian outfit, impressing Frank Lampard enough to trust him in the starting XI for a meeting with Burnley on Sunday.

Ziyech found the back of the net again at Turf Moor, rifling a low shot past Nick Pope in the Clarets' net to open the scoring, and also recorded an assist as Chelsea ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Nevin has been pleasantly surprised by the winger's exceptional work rate and composure on the ball, with it his belief that the ex-Ajax star has added a whole new dimension to Lampard's side in the final third of the pitch.

"The one thing over the past week that has knocked me out has been the performance of Hakim Ziyech," the former Blues star told the club's official website.

"In two games he has proved to be an even better player than I thought he was, and I thought he was very good anyway.

"That ability to see crucial through balls and be able to play them at the right time and the right pace in between packed defences is something we really needed to add to our arsenal.

"His pass to Timo Werner for the third goal was an overlooked moment of genius. Anyone from Kevin De Bruyne to Cesc Fabregas would have been proud of that assist.

"It wasn’t his only moment of fabulous vision. The two goals in two games had the look of a natural finisher about them. He doesn’t panic when he is in the box, he is in total control of the situation, a sure sign of a very good player.

"The creativity is a given then, but most Chelsea fans and definitely the gaffer will have noticed his work-rate, too. His closing down and efforts to win the ball back high up the field were top class.

"Again I will be honest and admit that I wasn’t expecting that level of work-rate, but it looks very much like the right team spirit is in his make-up and it is not just the early efforts of a new player trying to impress."

Nevin also reserved praise for another of Chelsea's summer signings, Thiago Silva, who he believes has helped raise the level of Kurt Zouma since coming into partner the Frenchman in the heart of the defence.

"Attention is just as likely to focus on the centre-backs, and surely by now every Chelsea fan has figured out just how special, calm and talented Thiago Silva is," he added.

"It is a pleasure to watch him every week and he is certainly having a huge effect on the form of Kurt Zouma; the big man has even decided to go on a scoring spree to add to his dominant displays at the back.

"Three goals in six Premier League games would be a good average for most strikers."

Kenya striker Michael Olunga will not be in action after their J1-League match against Vegalta Sendai was postponed on Tuesday.

A statement from the Japanese Professional League has stated the cases of coronavirus pandemic have hit the Kashiwa Resyol team hence the decision to cancel the match.

“J-League has announced that matchweek 26 of the 2020 league match between Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 13:00 JST, has been cancelled after cases of the novel coronavirus [Covid-19] were confirmed in Kashiwa Reysol.

“We will inform you of the alternative date as soon as it is decided,” said J1 League on their social media pages.

The statement further said: “Multiple PCR (Polymerise chain reaction) tests will be conducted on Kashiwa Reysol players and staff under the guidance of an expert team. Preparations for the Levain Cup will not be halted. “

The former Gor Mahia striker was keen to continue with his scoring form which has seen him net 23 goals so far in this campaign.

Though Kashiwa are yet to reveal the players affected by Covid-19, the latest development will not be good news for Kenya coach Jacob ‘Ghost’Mulee who is preparing the team for the Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Comoros in November.

Olunga is among the foreign-based players named in the squad, the others being Victor Wanyama, Johanna Omollo, keeper Arnold Origi, and Eric Johana.

The first match against Comoros will be played at Kasarani on November 11 with the second one four days later away.

Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya).

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya).

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya).

Reserves: Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya).

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know that “trouble” is brewing at Manchester United, says Steve McClaren, with the inconsistent Red Devils nine out of 10 one week and “four or five” the next.

Such struggles have been holding the Old Trafford outfit back for some time.

Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement back in 2013, United have been scratching around for a spark that will allow them to recapture former glories.

David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have tried and failed to bring the good times back, with only sporadic successes enjoyed along the way.

Solskjaer is the man charged with turning the tide at present, although questions are being asked of his future as a result of his side's inconsistent displays.

And McClaren has admitted that further change may be on the way unless playing and coaching staff start pulling in the same direction.

Ferguson’s former right-hand man told talkSPORT: “What is probably annoying most people, it’s certainly annoying me, is the consistency of the players is not there – that’s why they’re getting inconsistent results!

“Two weeks ago people were calling for Ole‘s head, then last week after the 5-0 against Leipzig it was all ‘what a manager’, ‘stick by him’.

“I’ve got to say, the players have got to take responsibility. I know you need consistency of shape, but you need consistency of performance from players, and they’re just…

“One week they’re a nine or ten, the next week they’re four and five, and a top team can’t have that.

“But both the players and the manager have got a responsibility, really. You’ve got to get the best out of your players and make sure that’s week in, week out, otherwise Ole and every manager knows you’re going to be in trouble.

“At Manchester United you have to win, every defeat is a crisis.

“You might get out of the mire with a 5-0 against Leipzig, but you know on a Thursday morning you’ve got to win on Sunday, or you’ll be back to being criticised.

“That’s how it works at big clubs. You get beat once and it’s like a morgue, it’s like a crisis. The players have to respond, but they’re not responding.

“Credit to Arsenal, I thought they were excellent. They were organised, disciplined, had intensity in and out of possession, which Manchester United couldn’t match.

“Yes, United are OK when they’re in possession but the problem, for me, is when they’re out of possession everyone is kind of all over the place.

“You see the discipline and organisation of Arsenal; consistency week in, week out gets consistency of performance, and that’s what Manchester United need!”

United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last Premier League outing, with a wretched run of results on home soil leaving the Red Devils 15th in the table and taking in their worst start to a top-flight campaign since Moyes’ ill-fated tenure in 2013-14.

Reports from Germany have revealed Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer’s son Fabio is fighting for his life in a coma, following a horror motor vehicle crash.

The accident reportedly occurred when the car Fabio was in, a Skoda, was partially crushed after colliding with a large truck.

The 24-year-old Fabio is a footballer himself and had been playing in the lower divisions in Germany, most recently at Svg Steinachgrund in the Mittelfranken district league.

Coach Zinnbauer caught many Pirates supporters by surprise on the weekend, when it was revealed during his post-match interview - following a triumphant 3-0 MTN8 first leg semi-final win over Kaizer Chiefs - that he was about to rush off to the airport to get a flight home to Germany to attend to a family issue.

Pirates later issued a statement clarifying their coach’s sudden departure:

“Unfortunately, out of respect for Mr Zinnbauer and his family we cannot divulge anything more except to say that his son is in hospital. The coach has requested for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time. He will be back soon.”

In Zinnbauer’s absence, Pirates will be led by assistant coach Fadlu Davids, starting on Wednesday night with an away match at Bloemfontein Celtic.

Following that, the Sea Robbers take on Chiefs in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals, scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the FNB Stadium.

The Buccaneers have made a slow start to their league campaign with draws against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC but seemed set to pick things up after their morale-boosting win over Amakhosi.

Zinnbauer arrived at Pirates in December of 2019, following the departure of previous head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic a few months before that.

The 50-year-old German took the Soweto giants to a third-place finish in the league and with some good signings ahead of the current season, had seemed set to help Bucs challenge for honours.

Fulham manager Scott Parker has showered encomium on Ola Aina following his wonder goal in their 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in Monday’s Premier League game.

The 24-year-old was afforded his fifth appearance for the Cottagers since his summer loan move from Italian side Torino.

The Nigeria international delivered eye-catching performances in the encounter, helping the Craven Cottage outfit to end their five-game winless run.

The wing-back smashed home a beauty from the edge of the box beyond the reach of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for his first Premier League goal.

Parker has expressed his pleasure with the effort and believes the goal came on the back of his instruction to the Super Eagles defender to take more risks.

“It was a great strike. We might have to take risks,” Parker said in a post-match press conference.

We’re going to have to take risks in or around the box and Ola did that and it’s flown into the top corner.

“Anyone watching us with an open mind will see we have a bit of quality. We had some lovely bits in both halves.”

Gabon international Mario Lemina only featured for 46 minutes before making ways for Harrison Reed in the encounter.

Parker revealed the 24-year-old midfielder was replaced to avoid any risk after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.

“Mario [Lemina] felt his hamstring a little bit in the first half and I didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll have to see where he is in the morning,” he added.

Victory against West Brom ensured Fulham moved to 17th spot on the Premier League table with four points from seven games.

Aina will hope to help his side continue in their winning ways when they take on West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday.

The 24-year-old’s impressive form will please Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr, who has included the defender in his squad that will play Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game on November 13 and 17.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has maintained his stand that striker Michael Sarpong will be a hit at the club.

The Ghanaian striker signed for the Jangwani giants from Rayon Sports of Rwanda but he has only managed to score two goals from the eight Mainland Premier League matches played so far in this campaign.

His latest goal came as Yanga beat Biashara United 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run in the league and also move joint top with Azam FC in the 18-team league table.

The Burundian tactician, who joined the club after the exit of Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic, and has gone for three matches without defeat, has now explained his trust in the striker and said he will score many goals before the season ends.

“I am very happy with how Sarpong is evolving since I came here,” Kaze is quoted by Sokaletu. “I have seen a big improvement in the striker since I came here, and I know he will hit the right button soon.

“What Sarpong needs for now is the proper direction from the coaches, he is a very good finisher, he can score goals but he needs proper guidance and that is what I am giving him, I know soon he will be a very different striker, he will be the key player for us when he understands everything about this club.

“We also need to give him time, he also needs to have trust in himself, he must always have the belief of whatever he wants to do, I am giving him all the chance to change, I will support him because I know he will help us hit our targets.”

Kaze started his reign at Yanga with a 1-0 win against Polisi Tanzania, followed it up with a 2-1 win against KMC at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, before recording a 1-0 win against Biashara United at Karume Stadium on Saturday.

In a recent interview, Kaze revealed why he has been rotating the squad in Mainland Premier League matches.

“We have four matches and all of them are difficult and it is a must for my players to fight hard and get the points that we need, but to be honest, I don’t think we have players who can play all the four matches in a row with the speed the fixtures are planned,” Kaze was quoted by Sokaletu.

“What I have decided to do is to make sure that every player gets some minutes of play and that is why I must rotate the squad, and I know it will help to keep my players fit for the subsequent matches throughout the season.”

Kaze continued: “What has impressed me the most is that all the players are ready to fight for the team, they are working hard to make sure we win our matches, and they are playing according to my instructions.”

Yanga will next take on promoted Gwambina FC on Tuesday before they confront bitter rivals Simba SC in the Kariakoo Derby on November 7 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.