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Charles Okwemba believes Gor Mahia will always challenge for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title even at their weakest.

K'Ogalo have dominated the last decade in Kenya top-flight football, winning the league six times in the process. In the abandoned 2019/20 season, the Nairobi-based charges were still crowned as they were leading the table at the time of the annulment. 

This season, they have let some players leave like goalkeepers David Mapigano, Peter Odhiambo, defender Joash Onyango, midfielder Lawrence Juma and forward Dickson Ambundo, some of who were key players for the Kenyan champions.

"Gor Mahia have always been a force in the Kenyan Premier League for the last 10 years," Okwemba told Goal on Sunday.

"Even at their weakest, they have still pushed for the league; for example last season, they were not at their best but still they gave their best and went on to be crowned by Football Kenya Federation (FKF). 

"So even at their weakest, K'Ogalo will cause problems, you cannot rule them out and I am sure they will definitely have a say despite making wholesale changes in the team."

The AFC Leopards legend has further opined on teams he feels will also have a say in the title race next season.

"Sofapaka have made some notable signings in preparations for the new campaign and they will be challenging for the title if they manage to gel on time," Okwemba noted.

"We also have KCB, they have a good squad with experienced players and coach [Zedekiah Otieno] as well. 

"Tusker FC and AFC Leopards have been really quiet in the transfer window. While the Brewers have not made major signings, they have always been consistent in pushing for the title, even last season we saw what they did but Covid-19 disappointed them.

"Ingwe need to step up; last season they looked good and with a few signings, which I believe they have made but are yet to be officially unleashed, they will be up there pushing for the title as well.

"It is too early to state who will challenge and who will not, but the aforementioned teams will for sure be on the forefront."

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga scored again in the J1 League but his Kashiwa Reysol went down 3-2 against bottom-placed Shonan Bellmare on Sunday.

Olunga’s form has seen him open a wide gap between him and the Golden Boot rivals as he continues to register goals more regularly in his maiden season in the top-tier.

Takuya Okamoto scored the opener for Shonan Bellmare in the fourth minute with an assist from Akimi Barada. The Harambee Star added to his tally when he scored in the 22nd minute to equalise for the visitors with Cristiano da Silva turning out to be the assist maker.

Kashiwa Reysol went ahead in the seventh minute after the restart of the second half when Yuta Kamiya struck when he was put through by Ataru Esaka.

Shonan Bellmare equalised in the 78th minute when Temma Matsuda found the back of the net with an assist from Tarik Elyounoussi. Naoki Ishihara then added the third for the home side with Takuya Okamoto playing a big role in the process.

Olunga has been in impressive goal-scoring form in the J1 League after he scored a brace to help Kashiwa Reysol down Vissel Kobe 4-3 on October 10.

It was the second straight time that the former Tusker and Thika United striker scored a league brace as he had achieved the same feat against Yokohama FC on October 1. 

Everaldo Stum of Kashima Antlers and Yu Kobayashi of Kasawaki Frontale are Olunga’s close challenges with 12 goals each.

As Olunga races clear in the Golden Boot competition, a number of Kenyan pundits and former stars have asked him to join another league.

“Olunga has already conquered Japan and he is now ripe for a better challenge,” former AFC Leopards player Charles Okwemba said in a previous interview with Goal.

“If he wants to continue developing and grow career-wise, he has no option but to move.

“He is still young and at his peak, he should be competing with the best in the world. I believe in his ability and potential; it is time for him to risk it in top leagues and I am confident he will prevail.”

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes was left in disbelief after Aaron Wan-Bissaka's stunning strike against Newcastle, as he exclaimed post-match: "We didn't know he can shoot!".

United picked up their second win of the new Premier League season at St James' Park on Saturday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side got off to the worst possible start when Luke Shaw put the ball in his own net after two minutes, but the visitors responded quickly via a Harry Maguire header.

Marcus Rashford won a penalty early in the second half which gave United the chance to move into the lead, but Fernandes' perfect record from the spot since moving to Old Trafford was ruined as Karl Darlow put out a strong right hand to keep his effort out of the net.

Fernandes continued to lead the search for a winner though, and eventually got the goal his performance deserved after linking up with Rashford in the box before firing into the top corner with only four minutes left on the clock.

A stunning Aaron Wan-Bissaka drive and a cool Rashford finish rounded off a 4-1 victory for the Red Devils in stoppage time as the memory of a painful 6-1 home to defeat to Spurs before the international break was emphatically banished.

After the match, Fernandes reserved special praise for Wan-Bissaka, who he believes is capable of making an even greater contribution in the final third if he continues to embrace a more "positive" approach on the ball.

"[We were so happy] because we didn’t know he can shoot!" the midfielder told MUTV. "So it’s difficult for us believing he can score because we never see him shooting.

"We were talking about it now in the dressing room and asking him because we all were thinking he wanted to cross and he makes a bad ball and scores.

"But I’m happy for him, he deserved the goal and we always ask this from him. Be more positive, be more in the box, try and improve because he has such good qualities.

"Everyone knows about him being a defensive player and everything but he needs to show that he’s more than a defensive player and I think he has the qualities to show that."

Fernandes also discussed the need for a rise in collective standards after United's humbling against Spurs, reflecting on the flaws in his own game in the process.

"What happened against Tottenham can’t happen again. We play for such a big club and such a big team," he said.

"This club deserves better than that. Everyone needs to be better, starting with me, I need to look at myself first and then at what the group needs to do better.

"Today it was perfect, after that defeat. I think we need to continue improving, don’t concede goals, as I said before, and keep scoring."

The Portuguese went onto credit Rashford for putting attacking routines from the training ground into practice on the pitch, adding: “It was a great goal but as I said before, Rashford did what we trained. 

"Overlap from me, come inside, little touch... he gave me a great pass and I just needed to do the rest. He deserves credit.

"After he did the same with Aaron. He did a really good game, out of position. We had no Anthony [Martial] and Edinson [Cavani] wasn’t ready... Rashy did well in a position I think he can do really well in. He deserved the goal at the end.“

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane feels that his side could have beaten Wydad Casablanca by a wider margin following Saturday’s 2-0 victory in a Caf Champions League semi-final, first leg match on Saturday.

Mohamed Magdi Kafsha and Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul scored in either half to hand Al Ahly the important away win.

It was Mosimane’s first Champions League match in charge of Al Ahly and the coach finally got it right after struggling to beat Wydad with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.

But the ex-Bafana Bafana tactician feels that his side could have registered a much more convincing win with more goals.

"It was a difficult game as Wydad was fighting to return to the game," Mosimane told the post-match news conference as per Al Ahram.

"We made the most of Wydad's defensive mistakes … we could have scored a third and fourth but I'm happy with the players' performance.

"The penalty [converted by Maaloul] save gave us more confidence, and we seized the chance to score a second.”

Al Ahly host Wydad for the second leg next Friday as they seek to reach the final and win the trophy they last won in 2013.

Mosimane is just three weeks into the Al Ahly job and is seeking a second Champions League title while the Egyptian giants are bidding for a ninth elite continental crown.

“This is a special victory for the players, technical staff, officials, employees and supporters of Al Ahly,” Mosimane told AFP according to France24.

“We travelled to Morocco full of respect for Wydad because they have won this competition twice and rarely lose at home, either in domestic or Caf competitions.

“Scoring so early was a perfect start for us and Mohamed [El Shenawy] did brilliantly to save a penalty. When we were awarded a penalty I had great faith in Ali because he is so cool, confident and skilful when it comes to scoring from the spot.

“Football is a funny game and we dare not take anything for granted despite this wonderful result. It is half-time in the semi-final and we hold a two-goal advantage.”

Mosimane is yet to taste defeat while at the helm of Al Ahly.

Azam FC have dismissed transfer reports linking their key striker Prince Dube to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.

The Zimbabwean striker has enjoyed a good start to the 2020-21 Mainland Premier League campaign where he has managed to score six goals from the first six matches played so far.

His sixth goal came two days ago when Azam FC beat Mwadui FC 3-0 with the other two goals coming from Zambian striker Obrey Chirwa.

It is this performance that has allegedly caught the eye of Raja Casablanca, who according to reports, have already approached the ‘Ice Cream Makers’ over a possible transfer for the player.

However, Azam communications officer Thabit Zakaria has termed the reports as baseless saying they have not been approached by any club – including Raja Casablanca – for the services of the striker.

“We haven’t received any formal offer from Raja Casablanca and we contacted his agent who also confirmed he didn’t receive any offer for his player and we as a club we can’t afford to lose him now since his absence can damage our team’s machinery,” Zakaria is quoted by Daily News.

“We have heard of the price they want to pay us for him and the sum is really huge, but we can’t accept it since the transfer window has been closed so it will be hard to replace him.

“If they are serious about him they should wait until the coming mini-transfer window then we will be willing to open negotiations and once the terms are reached they will have him.”

Meanwhile, Zakaria has maintained they will continue to approach the season one game at a time and will not be looking at what their rivals Simba SC and Yanga SC are doing in the chase for the league title.

“We are not interested in what our rivals are doing, or how they are playing, all we want is to win our matches and keep the focus,” Zakaria told reporters after the 3-0 win against Mwadui.

“If you start focusing on your opponents, then you will lose the focus, we have our own targets for the season and that is what we want to achieve, I am happy we are doing well so far in the league and we want to keep the momentum going until the end of the season.”

Azam have enjoyed a good start this campaign, winning all their six matches to reach 18 points and currently lead the standings.

Azam will next take on promoted side Ihefu FC in the league.

Victor Wanyama and Montreal Impact ended a two-match losing streak after they registered a 2-1 win over Inter Miami on Saturday.

Montreal Impact hosted Inter Miami – in what was their first-ever meeting – at Red Bull Arena and it resulted in an encouraging outcome for Thierry Henry’s side that had posted poor results in the last two matches.

Bojan Krkic and Maxi Urruti scored the two goals for the Canadian side and the result is expected to have major implications in the play-offs race.

Bojan got the opener for Montreal Impact in the sixth minute before Inter Maimi scored the only goal through Brek Shea – his second goal in as many games - just after the half-hour mark.

Wanyama and Montreal Impact did not relent and got the winning goal in the 80th minute which was struck by Urruti. It was a simple tap-in after Bojan had made his way into the penalty area and gave a short pass for the scorer to secure the victory.

Henry was elated at how his charges faced Inter Miami and recorded a first home win of the campaign.

“I don’t know if this is our biggest win but we had it at heart to answer back,” Henry after the encounter. “We wanted to get the first win at home [in Red Bull Arena] and especially, to play a good game as a team.

“I thought we were brilliant in the first half, up until the goal to be fair. When you concede a goal like the way we conceded, the team was like: ‘Again?’.

“We were in total control and then we conceded a goal like that but this time instead of reacting, we acted.”

The Frenchman further gave reasons why his team could not allow a third successive defeat.

“We just needed to win,” Henry added.

“Obviously the fewer games you have, obviously, the more it will be a must-win. Especially against a team that was right behind you but it was very important to be able to win this game for obvious reasons: The playoff run and because they were right behind us.”

Centre-back Joel Waterman echoed Henry’s sentiments on why the victory came at a very vital point in their campaign.

“It was a massive result for us and it was really important for us to get a result before we went back home,” said Waterman.

“That was our main talking point before the game, to start off well and get a result no matter what it takes and Bojan was a massive part in that.”

The win enabled Wanyama’s outfit to jump ahead of Nashville SC in the eighth position on the Eastern Conference table.

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his joy after Victor Osimhen scored his first Serie A goal in their 4-1 victory over Atalanta on Saturday.

The 21-year-old sealed the Blues' win moments before the half-time break after Hirving Lozano' brace and an effort from Matteo Politano had given his side a comfortable lead.  

The Nigeria international controlled goalkeeper David Ospina's long ball before beating Marco Sportiello with his fine effort, which ultimately rendered Sam Lammers’ second-half strike a mere consolation for Atalanta.

Osimhen celebrated his goal in a spectacular manner when he joined thousands of Nigerians who are calling for an end to police brutality in the West African country.

The forward teamed up with the Stadio San Paolo outfit in July for a club-record fee of €70 million from French side Lille.

Osimhen made an immediate impact with the Blues, scoring a number of breath-taking goals during the 2020-21 pre-season.

The forward grabbed an assist against Genoa before he finally opened his account for Napoli at Stadio San Paolo and Gattuso has expressed his delight with the 21-year-old’s effort.

"I'm happy for Chucky's brace, but Osimhen's goal makes me happy because he hadn't scored so far and he deserved it for the hard work done for the team," Gattuso told the club website.

"Victor was my wish and I thank the President for having satisfied me. It wasn't easy but we have bought a player who is very important to us."

Napoli's victory over Atalanta ensured they returned to winning ways after losing against champions Juventus last time out.

Osimhen will be expected to continue with his impressive performances at Stadio San Paolo when his side takes on AZ Alkmaar in a Europa League game on Thursday.

The forward bagged 18 goals for Lille during his one-year stay at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy and will hope to surpass that performance for the Blues in his debut season.

Ayub Timbe has confirmed his exit from Beijing Renhe in the Chinese League One.

The speedy winger, who joined the club in 2017 from Belgian club Lierse S.K., has confirmed his exit from China in a message on his social media pages but he could not reveal his next destination.

“Thanks for the three beautiful years Beijing Renhe,” Timbe wrote on his Twitter handle. “I wish the club and everyone behind it good luck for the rest of the season.”

Masika joined Beijing Renhe in February 2017 and managed to score eight goals in his first season to help the team win promotion to the Chinese Super League.

The following season, he was loaned back to the second tier to play for Heilongjiang Lava Spring, though he scored seven goals in 14 games in the top-flight for Beijing Renhe, and on January 31, 2020 - transfer deadline day in England – Masika joined English Championship side Reading on loan until the end of the season.

However, his stay at the Berkshire-based club did not last more than six months after the club decided against pursuing a further deal.

On leaving Reading Timbe explained: “My short journey at Reading is finished,” Timbe, 27, confirmed in a Facebook post. “I want to thank the club, the staff, my mates, and definitely every supporter who was with me through this half-season. It was a pleasure to be at Reading.

“Thank you all and I wish you good luck in the coming season.”

Timbe’s loan at Reading was the third such move the Kenyan has made in his career so far.

Between 2014 and 2016, the winger was loaned by Genk to Lierse and he went ahead to make 42 appearances and scored eight goals for the Belgian side.

The performance saw Lierse make his move permanent and the player stayed with them for one year between 2016 and 2017.

From Belgium, the Harambee Star joined Renhe where he enjoyed a good outing in 2017 as he scored 17 goals in 48 matches.

In 2018, he was loaned for the second time in his career to Heilongjiang Lava Spring, a Division One side in China. He played six games and scored two goals for the lower tier side.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has promised to continue with their push to have the government lift the ban on football and have the 2020-21 FKF Premier League campaign kick off.

The Kenyan government, through the Cabinet Secretary of Sports Amina Mohamed, confirmed a month ago contact sports, including football, will remain suspended until further notice owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Though the government later allowed the FKF to stage a friendly between Kenya and Zambia, and despite several pleas from stakeholders to have the ban lifted, the same government has remained mum on the matter.

But speaking on Saturday after clinching a second term to run football in the country, FKF president Nick Mwendwa has told Goal that they will continue to engage the government to allow them to resume action but in an organised manner.

“We are still talking to the government and I want to request them to help us open football but under protocols set by the Ministry of Health and start the league matches,” Mwendwa told Goal at Safari Park Hotel.

“We want to make sure our league starts in November 20, because it is the only date that can allow us to finish the season well on time, we don’t have much time left, we want to have a cautious approach towards resuming football and that is why we are pleading with the government to guide us, we will continue to talk to them.”

Elsewhere in East Africa, the Tanzanian league is already going on while the government of Uganda also lifted the ban on sporting activities and social gatherings, a move which allowed the Federation of Uganda of Football Association (Fufa) to set November 20 as the date to resume the 2020-21 season.

The FKF has already issued draft fixtures for the new campaign with the highlight being the Mashemeji derby, which will see AFC Leopards hosting rivals Gor Mahia in the first round battle on March 6, 2021, at Nyayo Stadium, before the second round duel set for the same venue on May 23, 2021.

On Saturday, the 41-year-old clinched another term to run Kenyan football for another four years after he managed 77 votes out of the 85 cast to trounce his four opponents in what turned out to be a one-sided exercise held at a Nairobi Hotel.

Former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda with his running mate Athanas Obango came second with just five votes. Herbert Mwachiro, who once served as the FKF deputy CEO alongside Harold Ndege, who is a former Kenya international, walked home with three votes.

Journalist Boniface Osano and his running mate had nothing to smile about since they walked home empty-handed, same as Dan Mule, who had presented Peter Lichungu as his running mate.

Milan derby winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is still unstoppable at 39 and that his experience makes him an even more "complete" player than ever before.

Ibrahimovic continued his prolific start to the new season by scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Inter on Saturday.

The Rossoneri maintained their 100 per cent record while moving three points clear at the top of the Serie A table after four fixtures, three ahead of second-placed Atalanta and four clear of reigning champions Juventus.

Stefano Pioli's side took the lead when Ibrahimovic converted a rebound after seeing his penalty kick saved by Samir Handanovic with just 13 minutes on the clock.

The Swede doubled his account three minutes later, firing home at the back post after latching onto a brilliant Rafael Leao cross from the left-hand side.

Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back for the Nerazzurri, who then pressed hard for an equaliser in the second period, but Milan ultimately held on for their first Derby Della Madonnina win in four years.

Ibrahimovic lapped up the plaudits post-match, while explaining how he has been able to hit new heights despite advancing well into the latter portion of his career.

“I feel more complete, I have more experience. When you are young you are still growing,” the veteran forward told Sky Italia.

“You spend a moment where you are learning things, playing games, you have moments and situations that repeat themselves. 

“Now I feel complete. If I had the condition of 20-30 years, nobody would stop me. But anyway, they don't stop me even now.”

Ibrahimovic added: “Physically I'm fine. I train a lot. I always have. I'm playing well, with great experience.

“I play with available companions who listen, bring intensity. I don't accept when one relaxes in training or in a match. 

“My philosophy is 'train how you play the game'.”

The Milan talisman had been laid low with coronavirus prior to the international break, but the diagnosis only fuelled his desire to get back on the pitch and continue doing what he does best.

“I was so hungry. They locked the wrong animal in the house,” Ibrahimovic told Milan TV. 

“It is not easy mentally to always be at home – the body is shaking because it wants to work, it wants to play.” 

Pioli told Sky Italia of the ex-Sweden international's latest performance: "He was very tired and even asked to come off, but this time I was the one who ignored him!.

“Zlatan is extraordinary, he brings so much to the side with his talent, determination and character. He's an exemplary professional, gives everything for his team, wants to win everything from a cup final to a training ground routine.

“I can't take any credit for dealing with Ibrahimovic, as it's very easy.”

Mamelodi Sundowns will face off with Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2020 MTN8 quarter-final match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Masandawana are looking to keep the momentum going having won the last three domestic trophies, PSL title, Nedbank Cup and Telkom Knockout under the now-departed coach Pitso Mosimane.

Newly-appointed Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena will be keen to start their reign with a win over a wounded Celtic side. 

Siwelele will be seeking revenge after losing to Sundowns in the 2020 Nedbank Cup final last month, and they are hoping to end their eight-year wait for a major trophy having won their last title in 2012 which was the Telkom Knockout.

This will be John Maduka's first full season as Celtic head coach and the legendary Malawian midfielder will be eager to ensure that his side starts the new campaign with a win.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Sundowns will be without Tebogo Langerman, who has been handed a two-match suspension by the PSL after the left-back was found guilty following his inclusion in the match-day squad against Celtic last month.

However, Masandawana have depth in their squad as they could bring in either Lyle Lakay or new signing Aubrey Modiba to fill Langerman's void in the left-back position.

Gaston Sirino and Themba Zwane remain the Sundowns players to watch out for as they combined brilliantly before the former netted the only goal of the match as Masandawana beat Celtic 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup final.

Meanwhile, Celtic have no suspension concerns and they recently welcomed back Ronald Pfumbidzai, who was stuck in Zimbabwe since July 2020 as he found it difficult to return to South Africa due to lockdown.

Siwelele have managed to extend Justice Chabalala's loan deal from Orlando Pirates after he impressed at the Free State giants last season and they signed exciting winger Jabulani Ncobeni - formerly with AmaZulu FC.

Maduka will look to the club's inspirational captain Ndumiso Mabena, who is coming off arguably his best season in the PSL and the experienced striker will be determined to lead his troops to a win over Sundowns.

Match Preview

Sundowns boast an impressive home record as they have suffered just one defeat in their last 17 matches as the hosts across all competitions, having registered 13 victories.

The Brazilians have also recorded five wins in their last six competitive matches, while the other game ended in a defeat.

While Celtic are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions on the road having registered four draws and one victory as the visitors.

Siwelele have suffered just one defeat in their last 10 competitive matches and recorded four victories and five draws.

In head-to-head stats since 1985, Sundowns and Celtic have met 79 times across all competitions.

Masandawana have been dominant having registered 43 wins compared to Siwelele's 16, while 20 games ended in draws.

Mikel Arteta has "got problems" with Hector Bellerin and must switch to a back four, according to ex-Arsenal captain Tony Adams.

Arsenal suffered their second loss of the new season at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday.

The Blues ran out 1-0 winners at Etihad Stadium thanks to Raheem Sterling's 23rd-minute strike, with the Gunners ultimately missing the chance to put pressure on Premier League leaders Everton.

Pep Guardiola won the battle of teacher against pupil as one-time City assistant Arteta failed to mastermind the downfall of his former employers, despite a disciplined performance from the Gunners.

Ederson made three superb first-half saves to keep Arsenal at bay, while David Luiz and Nicolas Pepe both wasted good opportunities from free-kicks in the second period, but the home side always seemed in control of proceedings.

City defended resolutely and edged the possession stakes to overcome the Gunners' high press, with most of their best attacks stemming from the left as Bellerin struggled to keep the likes of Sterling, Phil Foden, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva at bay.

Arteta has often preferred to use a 3-4-3 system while trying to turn Arsenal into a more compact defensive outfit, but Adams believes a more traditional formation would suit his old club far better going forward.

"I think it’s time for a back four. I’ve been saying it since the start of the season," the former Gunners centre-back told Premier League Productions. "[3-4-3] wins you cup games, it doesn’t win you league titles - if he wants to build for the future.

"I think he’s got problems with Hector - I think his defending today wasn’t very good at all. But I’d like him to go to a back four. They’ve got Gabriel now, get him a partnership.

"They’ve been unlucky at the start with Holding going down but get them into a back four. They look like they’ve got a holding midfielder now who’s got a bit of presence and build for the future."

Adams added on Bellerin and Gunners No.1 Bernd Leno being at fault for Sterling's all-important winner: "Arsenal have pressed them and they’ve played around the press very well.

"Hector Bellerin again, and the goalkeeper, I always look at it defensively.

"Man City were too good, they passed it around - he [Foden] steps inside Hector too easy.

"The goalkeeper is pushing it into the danger zone. You’ve got to push it away out of the danger zone, and he’s [Sterling] had a tap-in, which is disappointing."

Kaizer Chiefs will meet Maritzburg United in a 2020 MTN8 quarter-final match at the FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

The Soweto giants are starting a new era under Gavin Hunt, who has been entrusted with ending the club's five-year trophy drought.

The 2016 MTN8 title-winning coach will be targeting a winning start against a Maritzburg side which is undefeated in their last three competitive games against Chiefs.

The Team of Choice came close to winning their maiden major trophy last season when they were narrowly defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final under Eric Tinkler.

Tinkler, who guided SuperSport United to a MTN8 triumph in 2017, will be confident of masterminding his third win over Chiefs since the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Chiefs will be without several key players as experienced midfielders Lebogang Manyama and Willard Katsande are both suspended. 

The Soweto giants' squad depth will be tested as Hunt has also confirmed that forwards Samir Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro will also be missing as they are currently out nursing injuries

Furthermore, goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will be unavailable due to passport issue and Itumeleng Khune is set to start in goal.

Meanwhile, Maritzburg will also have to find a way to defeat Chiefs without their hardworking defender Kwanda Mngonyama, who is suspended.

Tinkler has confirmed that the club has agreed to sell Richard Ofori to Orlando Pirates, but the deal is yet to be concluded and it remains to be seen whether the Ghanaian goalkeeper will start against Chiefs.

The Team of Choice will pin their hopes of securing a win over Chiefs on Judas Moseamedi, with the centre forward having netted three times against the Soweto giants last season.

Match Preview

Chiefs have a poor home record of late, having won just one of their last six home matches across all competitions.

However, Amakhosi are undefeated in their last two competitive games which ended in a win and a draw.

While Maritzburg are enduring a four-match winless run on the road across all competitions having recorded three defeats and one draw as the visitors.

The Team of Choice are also winless in their last six competitive games, having registered three draws and three defeats.

In head-to-head stats since 2005, Chiefs and Maritzburg have met 33 times across all competitions.

Amakhosi have the upper hand having secured 16 wins compared to the Team of Choice's seven, while 10 matches ended in draws.

Hakim Ziyech has expressed his delight after he finally made his debut for Chelsea in their 3-3 draw against Southampton in Saturday’s Premier League game.

The winger arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer after reaching an agreement in February with the side to join them.

The Morocco international only made one appearance for the Blues, during their pre-season friendly against Brighton and Hove Albion, where he suffered a knee injury.

The forward has been struggling with the problem which halted his chances of making his competitive appearance for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Ziyech, however, used the international break to regain his fitness, featuring for 30 minutes in Morocco’s victory over Senegal on October 9.

On his return to Stamford Bridge, the forward was able to convince manager Frank Lampard of his readiness for action and made a cameo appearance for the side against the Saints.

The 27-year-old featured for 18 minutes in his first Premier League game after replacing Mason Mount and showed glimpses of his abilities.

Ziyech has now taken to social media to share his feelings on his debut for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

“Disappointed about the result but happy to have made my debut,” Ziyech posted on Instagram.

Chelsea boss Lampard had explained how the forward’s involvement in Morocco’s game against Senegal was planned.

“I was pleased with it. We had an open conversation going into it where Hakim spoke to me and I know he had close conversations with their manager,” Lampard said in a press conference.

“If he was going to stay behind, I was looking at getting him minutes in a game behind closed doors but that is difficult for us because of the bubble we have at the moment.

“The ideal result was that he played 30 minutes for his country, which was exactly what he needed at that time, and he came back and did some more training with us so it worked out well.”

Ziyech will hope to play a part when Chelsea square off against Sevilla in a Champions League game on Tuesday.

The forward has now made 33 appearances for Morocco since he switched his allegiance to the North African side from the Netherlands in 2015.

With the next Terengganu FA (TFA) congress set to be held this December, football fans in the state have launched a campaign calling for its executive committee (exco) to refrain from voting for one of its members.

The campaign, which has been initiated by the fan group Ultras Tranung, has accused the long-time exco member, who also has roles in the Malaysian FA and Malaysian Football League committees as well as in the Malaysia Super League side Terengganu FC (TFC), of hoarding power and positions without actually bringing progress to the sport in the state.

According to the campaign, the exco member has wielded his influence to make appointments that have strengthened his power, despite not possessing significant administrative knowledge in the sport.

"...He is still influential enough to appoint his people as TFC II officials, as manager and assistant manager. The coaches would not dare defy him in order to protect their livelihoods.

"...He is not knowledgeable on matters of modern football, and has not come up with the vision and mission, as well as short, medium and long-term plans for the FA and TFC. Worse still, football development in his district has been dead, there are no football academies, competitions and M4 League teams. He has totally failed as a branch leader!"

The fans also accused the exco member in question of having already started campaigning for the FA Deputy President II post.

"As of this moment, he has been going around the state, lobbying for the district FAs to vote for him and his cronies, by leveraging on his MFL post and promising certain positions to those who vote for him.

"We reject any parasites that have disrupted the team's progress, and such a person should not be involved in the administration. Enough is enough, he has had the post for too long and should make way for those who are more qualified."

Spanish defender Fran Gonzalez has bid goodbye to ATK Mohun Bagan and has thanked the club's supporters on social media. 

The 31-year-old spent the 2019-20 season with Mohun Bagan and was an integral part of the title-winning squad under the now Kerala Blasters head coach Kibu Vicuna. The defender started all 16 matches for the Mariners and recorded an incredible tally of 10 goals last season. 

Gonzalez had earlier criticised Bagan officials over contractual issues which remained unresolved after the Kolkata giants merged with Indian Super League (ISL) club ATK to form a new entity ATK Mohun Bagan. 

He had alleged that in spite of having a year remaining in his contract there has been no communication from the club about the beginning of training sessions for the new season. Even several enquiries by his lawyer have gone unanswered. The player who arrived in India from Hong Kong first division club Warriors was unable to come to a new agreement and has decided to bid goodbye. 

Tottenham will play host to West Ham United on Sunday for a London derby encounter as Gareth Bale is expected to make his first appearance since 2013.

Tottenham vs West Ham United Latest Odds

Tottenham won both Premier League meetings with West Ham last season; they last won three in a row against the Hammers with a run of five between March 2008-December 2009 and another win has been tipped at (1.60) with ZEbet.

Tottenham are winless at home so far in the Premier League this season (D1 L1), scoring just once and conceding twice and West Ham United have been tipped to stretch the winless run at (5.20).

Tottenham and West Ham United have registered 52 draws since they first met and another draw to happen on Sunday has been priced at (4.30).

Tottenham vs West Ham United Team News

Eric Dier who has a hamstring issue is doubtful for the Hammers’ visit while Japhet Tanganga and Gio Lo Celso will miss out through injuries.

For David Moyes who has never defeated Jose Mourinho in 14 matches across all competitions could miss doubtful Ryan Fredericks with a hamstring problem and Arthur Masuaku who is battling a knee injury.

Defender Issa Diop is available after he recovered from the coronavirus infection.

Tottenham vs West Ham Preview

Tottenham have lost just three of their last 27 home London derbies in the Premier League (W18 D6). However, two of those defeats have come in their last five such games, including one against West Ham in April 2019.

West Ham have lost seven of their nine Premier League London derbies since the start of last season, winning the other two (both vs Chelsea). Indeed, the Hammers have lost more London derby matches than any other side in Premier League history (104).

Tips and Predictions

Spurs have scored 13 goals in their past two matches in all competitions while West Ham United have scored seven unanswered goals in their previous two league matches. Punters can therefore take an offer of both teams to score at (1.58) with ZEbet.

Both teams to score at (1.58) with ZEbet.

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

Over the weekend, Malaysian football followers on social media have been made aware of a possible newcomer to the Malaysian league.

Social media accounts purported to be belonging to a new club, Rakyat United has surfaced, with posts which advertised their intention of competing in Malaysia's professional competition.

Rakyat (Malay for 'citizen') have revealed little information beyond their name and crest, but have wasted no time to start recruiting players, advertising for interested pros and amateurs to contact them.

Their recruitment advertisement has also included the salary range, with each first team player set to receive a monthly wage of between RM3,000 and RM5,000 (USD700 to 1200).

More curiously, their recruitment drive also seems to be guided by diversity and inclusivity. They have pledged to sign to their first team roster two players aged between 14 to 17, two aged 30 and above, two Chinese-Malaysian players, two Indian-Malaysian players, and two players with Sabah and Sarawak native origins respectively. 

Bizarrely, Rakyat are also looking to sign two players aged 50 and above to their first team roster!

In addition to this, the account also stated that the new team, one that will be rebranded from an existing one, plans to be based out of and play in the Klang Valley area, while they will be fully-owned by a corporate entity.

No official word has been issued regarding the original team that will be taken over by Rakyat, but rumours are rife that it is Felda United, who recently confirmed their relegation to the Malaysia Premier League for next season.

The Fighters' current government-firm owner recently attempted to shut down the club's operations despite the club having secured their 2021 licence and completed their first-phase privatisation documentations, which has forced the club management to scramble for a new owner.