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Sofapaka FC president Elly Kalekwa has hinted the former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions are still in the market for one more player before concluding their business.

The 2009 league winners have so far signed eight players in the current transfer window - Lawrence Juma from Gor Mahia, former KCB defender Michael Kibwage, veteran striker Paul Kiongera, Former APR Rwanda captain Isaac Mitima, Nigerian Michael Karamor, Michael Bodo, Roy Okal, and Kevin Omondi.

"We have done most of the business in the current transfer window and we are almost there," Kalekwa told Goal on Saturday.

"But we are in the market for one more player; a defensive midfielder to help balance our team. Once we manage to get him, we will be done.

"Of course we have identified our target and we are negotiating, hoping to bring him on board. But if it does not happen, I think we can still do with what we have."

But is the team now ready to challenge for the Kenyan KPL title? 

"I hope we are ready, it is the reason why we have signed quality players," Kalekwa continued.

"However, sometimes you might do everything thinking you are ready then when the season starts, we see different things. So we just pray to God to help us realize our targets."

Kalekwa's sentiments come a few hours after AFC Leopards legend Charles Okwemba stated there are no guarantees the Nairobi-based's signings will perform well after making what seem like good signings.

"Sofapaka have made good signings, interesting ones for that matter," Okwemba told Goal on Saturday.

"But, it will not be a guarantee that they will hit the ground running instantly, or whether they will challenge for top honours. Sometimes football is unpredictable and you may think you are predictable but end up struggling. 

"Having stars does not guarantee immediate success.

"However, to be honest, they have done well in the transfer window."

The 2008 National Super League (NSL) champions will be up against Gor Mahia on December 9 and it would be an opportunity for them to halt what has become a poor record against the champions.    

Liverpool were controversially denied a Merseyside derby victory as Jordan Henderson saw a late winner ruled out by VAR in a 2-2 draw with 10-man Everton. 

Premier League leaders Everton twice came from behind to level in an absorbing contest at Goodison Park. 

Michael Keane cancelled out Sadio Mane's third-minute opener and Dominic Calvert-Lewin did the same after Mohamed Salah scored his 100th goal for Liverpool. 

Richarlison was sent off for a rash challenge on Thiago Alcantara and that indiscretion looked to have been doubly punished in injury time by Henderson, only for VAR to intervene and keep Everton three points ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Liverpool needed only two minutes and 15 seconds to break the deadlock as a well-worked move saw the ball shifted out to Andy Robertson, whose low left-wing cross was side-footed into the roof of the net by Mane. 

Everton were then extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty and go down to 10 men. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford clattered into Virgil van Dijk after Fabinho lofted the ball back into the box from a corner and was rescued by the offside flag against the Liverpool centre-back. 

Van Dijk subsequently limped off to be replaced by Joe Gomez, and his absence proved key as Keane rose highest to meet a corner from James Rodriguez and powerfully head home the equaliser. 

Liverpool continued to dominate the midfield and look the more dangerous, however, with Trent Alexander-Arnold's curling free-kick drawing a diving save from Pickford before Mane spurned a gilt-edged chance after more impressive work from Robertson. 

Only the woodwork prevented Richarlison from completing the turnaround after the restart, his header clattering off the far post after a wonderful deep right-wing cross from James. 

The hosts were left to rue that miss as a poor clearance from Yerry Mina presented the ball to Salah, who lashed a first-time effort beyond Pickford. 

Pickford had to be at his best to prevent Joel Matip and Salah from extending Liverpool's lead, which was erased when Digne lofted a superb cross for Calvert-Lewin to head into the bottom-left corner. 

Pickford denied Mane, who then headed Diogo Jota's rebound wide, but Liverpool's hopes were boosted by Richarlison's ill-advised tackle on Thiago. 

Henderson appeared to have decisively captialised on Liverpool's numerical advantage when Pickford inexplicably failed to keep his tame close-range effort out, but VAR adjudged Mane to have strayed marginally offside as he latched on to Thiago's telling ball down the left. 

What does it mean? VAR ensures another weekend at the summit for Everton 

A point ensures Everton cannot be caught this weekend and will remain at the top of the league regardless of other results. Carlo Ancelotti's men have the technology to thank for that, with Mane having initially appeared in line with the defence to the naked eye. 

Calvert-Lewin's historic run 

His excellent header was emblematic of a player in peak form and Calvert-Lewin has now scored in each of Everton's first five league games this season, becoming the first Toffees player to achieve that feat since Tommy Lawton in 1938-39. 

Pickford shows his best and worst 

England goalkeeper Pickford made six saves and was key to preventing Liverpool from making it 3-1, but he was lucky to be on the field following his challenge on Van Dijk and were it not for VAR he would have been reflecting on another costly error in the derby. It was kind of the performance that sums up why his place as England number one is under threat. 

Key Opta Facts 

- Salah's goal was his 100th for Liverpool in all competitions, in his 159th game for the club – only Roger Hunt (144) and Jack Parkinson (153) have reached the milestone in fewer appearances for the Reds. 
- Calvert-Lewin is just the fourth player to score in each of his side's first five Premier League games in a season, after Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal, 2004-05), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, 2011-12) and Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, 2019-20). 
- Liverpool have conceded 13 goals in their five Premier League games this season – they conceded as many after 15 matches last season. Indeed, 13 goals is the most they have shipped after five league games since 1953-54 (also 13). 
- Everton versus Liverpool has seen more red cards than any other fixture in Premier League history (22), with the Toffees' 15 in this fixture also a record for one side against another in the competition. 

What's next? 

Liverpool start their quest to regain the Champions League when they visit Ajax on Wednesday, before welcoming Sheffield United to Anfield on Saturday. Everton visit Southampton a day later. 

Rangers won a second straight Old Firm derby and moved four points ahead of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as an unlikely double from Connor Goldson secured a 2-0 victory.

Defender Goldson struck in the ninth minute and added another after the break on Saturday as Steven Gerrard's men made it two straight away league wins over Celtic for the first time in 23 years.

Celtic were without key players like striker Odsonne Edouard but few would have expected Neil Lennon's team not to register a shot on target or have a second-half attempt of any nature until the 85th minute in a miserable outing.

Rangers now hold a decent lead over their fierce rivals at the summit and, while Celtic still have a game in hand, Gerrard can reflect on a positive first quarter of the 2020-21 season.

It was a dream start for Rangers when James Tavernier curled in a free-kick from the right and Goldson glanced a header into the far corner from six yards, with goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas unable to keep it out.

Celtic struggled to create many chances of note in the first half but they should have been level soon after the Rangers opener.

Mohamed Elyounoussi capitalised on mistake by Goldson under a long ball, only to send his attempt over the bar from a great opening as he attempted to lob Allan McGregor.

Having made a superb start to the first half, Rangers also struck nine minutes into the second.

Scott Arfield's deflected cross found its way to Goldson, and while the centre-back's initial effort was blocked by Shane Duffy, he composed himself to stab in a shot at the second attempt.

Celtic threw on Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths and Tom Rogic from the bench but barely troubled a Rangers backline that has only conceded three goals in 11 games.

What does it mean? Sorry Celtic miss big names

Edouard, Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed were all out due to positive coronavirus tests on international duty, while Ryan Christie is in quarantine.

Celtic clearly missed those regulars but their supporters would have been fuming at the lack of an attacking response after falling behind early on, the team too often passing it around with a lack of urgency, creating little despite having 56.5 per cent of the ball.

Having also won at Celtic Park in December – their first Old Firm win since 2010 – Gerrard now has two straight derby successes and the title race looks destined to go the distance as Rangers bid to prevent 10 in a row.

Goldson golden for Rangers

Few would have tipped Goldson to be the match-winner, but he produced a memorable performance, scoring twice from three attempts, creating a chance as well as registering seven clearances and two blocks – both tied for game highs.

He is a crucial part of a Rangers defence that is performing superbly at home and in Europe.

Celtic offer no threat

Patryk Klimala failed to produce a shot or create a chance in 67 minutes on the pitch and Elyounoussi squandered their only big chance of the game, while not registering a key pass.

But the blame also has to go to the Celtic midfield, with Callum McGregor the only starter to create an opportunity - and even he only managed one.

What’s next?

Celtic must respond when they host Milan in a huge Europa League group-stage game on Thursday, while Rangers are away to Standard Liege.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says victory in Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final clash against Maritzburg United will be “proof” from his charges of their hard work in training.

It will be the coach’s first competitive match as Chiefs coach after being appointed in September.

Having worked with Chiefs players for almost three weeks now, Hunt is satisfied with the work ethic shown by his men, something he says is the recipe for victory against Maritzburg.

“Chiefs did very well last year and were very unfortunate. So we’ll try and work with that and hopefully, the ruling will be made sooner rather than later‚” Hunt told the media as per Sowetan Live.

“There’s not really much I can say about the whole thing. The players have been very committed in training. But the proof will be on Sunday and see how [it goes]. The coach has declared that given their preparations for Sunday’s match, there will e no excuses for a negative result.

“I’ve only been here two-and-a-half weeks‚ and we did miss a week because the players had a break. But no excuses.

“The good thing is I know the players‚ I know what we’re facing and what we’ve got in the squad. So I have to work around that‚ and there are quite a few good young players here who certainly will get their chance.

“But [on older players] I always say that if you’re good enough and can still do the job it doesn’t matter what your age is. But we have to balance the two [youth and age] because of the situation at the football club.

“I’m very confident in the players who we have got. Some you mention as ‘old players’. But‚ ja‚ they’ve done well‚ they’ve worked hard and I’m sure they’ve got a lot to prove as well going forward.”

Hunt arrived at Chiefs to find a Fifa player transfer ban sanctioned against the club, a scenario which has tied his hands in the transfer market.

But the former Bidvest Wits duo of Phathutshedzo Nange and Sifiso Hlanti are training with the Soweto giants in the hope of being signed if Chiefs’ appeal against the transfer an is successful.

“It’s very difficult to try and sign players and promise them that the ban will be lifted‚” said Hunt.

“If you look at the flip side of it‚ I think it’s important that a lot of the players who were here last year can prove again that they can do it. And that’s a great opportunity.

“Because it’s exactly the same squad – there’s nobody new or who’s gone out. On signing of players‚ it’s at an administration level and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Chiefs’ MTN8 bid is a continuation for their search for a first trophy since winning the 2015 Premier Soccer League title.

East Bengal have officially announced the signings of Republic of Ireland midfielder Anthony Pilkington and Welsh striker Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway for the upcoming 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Pilkington expressed his delight on joining the Red and Golds as he said, “SC East Bengal is one of the most followed clubs in India, and to don their shirt in the ISL is a matter of pride. I know expectations are always sky high when you are playing for SC East Bengal and I am ready to face the challenge head-on. I am looking forward to working with the gaffer and I believe we have the squad to fight for the title.”

The 32-year-old midfielder has a vast experience of playing in England and Wales and has represented some of the top clubs, namely, Norwich City, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic. He has also played in the Premier League from 2011 to 2014 while being at Norwich.

Pilkington had made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2014 and has since then made nine appearances scoring one goal.

Welsh forward Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway followed coach Robbie Fowler from Brisbane Roar to East Bengal this season.

On joining the Kolkata giants, Amadi-Holloway said, “I am excited to play in India and for SC East Bengal. The club is steeped in history and that what excites me most is their passionate fans. This season, we would have to play in front of empty stands but I can't wait to play at home with the stadium packed to the rafters.”

The 27-year-old striker has played for League one and Championship sides Bristol City, Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in the past. He has also represented his country at the youth level.

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah has scored his 100th goal for the club, with the strike coming against Merseyside derby rivals Everton.

The Egypt international had seen Michael Keane wipe out Sadio Mane’s opening goal before a half-cleared cross fell to him in the box. Salah struck a crisp first-time shot with his left foot that picked out the corner of the net.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin subsequently levelled for the Toffees once more on a Goodison Park afternoon that saw the sides share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

It was Salah's 100th goal in just 138 appearances for the club, in which he has helped them to a Champions League crown and a Premier League title – as well as runners-up positions in both of those illustrious competitions.

In addition to his remarkable tally of goals, he has also chalked up 38 assists in those outings.

Signed from Roma in the summer of 2017, the former Chelsea forward began explosively as he scored 32 goals in 36 Premier League matches of the 2018 campaign to bag the Golden Boot.

It was during that season the Reds made the final of the Champions League, yet Salah’s match was cut short after clashing with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in an infamous encounter remembered for Loris Karius’ two dramatic errors and Gareth Bale’s fine overhead kick.

Although he was unable to perform to any meaningful level at the 2018 World Cup due to the ensuing shoulder problem, he struck 22 times in 38 matches for the Reds the in the following campaign as they narrowly missed out on the league title.

It proved to be third time lucky for Salah with Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2019-20 season as they ran away with the title, winning it at a record early point in the season.

Although the 28-year-old netted 19 Premier League goals last term for the Reds – his lowest tally in three seasons – he has started the new campaign in formidable form and has six goals to his credit already.

He struck a hat-trick on the opening day against Leeds, including a dramatic late penalty that won a seven-goal thriller, and then netted twice against Aston Villa in a remarkable 7-2 loss before the international break.

He saved his 100th goal for the Merseyside derby, however, and Reds fans will expect there is much more to come from their star man in the months ahead.

Gareth Bale is “not an idiot” and rejoined Tottenham over making a move to China or MLS because he believes he has “something left in the tank”, says Jamie Redknapp.

The Wales international has retraced his steps to north London from Real Madrid. Despite collecting an enviable haul of trophies in Spain, including two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, the 32-year-old became a scapegoat for many at Santiago Bernabeu.

A move had been on the cards for some time prior to finally pushing through a season-long loan in the summer of 2020.

Bale could make his second debut for Spurs when they take in a derby date with West Ham on Sunday, with a niggling knee injury having been overcome.

Redknapp is among those expecting a global superstar to shine back on a Premier League stage, saying there is every reason to believe that an old spark can be rekindled.

The former Spurs midfielder told Paddy Power: “There’s a really simple reason why I believe Bale will work at Tottenham: he’s not an idiot.

“I don’t think he’s the type of guy that would put himself on offer unless he thought it would work. He could have gone anywhere, to America, to China, to Man United, wherever he wanted, but he chose Tottenham because he knows he has something left in the tank.

“It’s great news for the fans, too, and if he can even get a little bit of the form he had before he went to Real Madrid then, honestly, anything is possible. Because he is such an amazing talent, there’s nothing he can’t do.”

Bale is set to form part of a star-studded attack at Tottenham alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, with Redknapp of the opinion that Mourinho now boasts the most fearsome frontline in the English top-flight.

He added: “If those three can hit it off, then that’s the best forward line in the country. We all think about [Mohamed] Salah, [Roberto] Firmino and [Sadio] Mane but all three of those for Spurs have goals in them.

“They could be amazing. I genuinely can’t wait to see how those three forwards gel, it has the potential to be unreal.”

Cedric Bakambu scored a brace to inspire Beijing Guoan to a comeback 2-2 draw against Shandong Luneng in Saturday’s Chinese Super League Championship playoff quarter-finals.

The forward has been in superb form for the Imperial Guards in this campaign and again shone against the Team Mount Tai.

The forward was handed a starting role in the encounter and delivered a five-star performance to help his side avoid defeat ahead of their second leg outing.

Beijing Guoan started the game on the back foot, allowing Graziano Pelle to open the scoring in the 25th minute from the penalty spot.

Twelve minutes later, Jingdao Jin doubled Shandong Luneng’s lead after receiving a sumptuous assist from Junmin Hao.   

After the restart, Bakambu reduced the deficit in the 48th minute, converting from the penalty spot.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international then completed his brace in the 69th minute after receiving a timely pass from Lei Li.

Besides his goal, Bakambu, who featured for 89 minutes, had 24 touches and had a 66% successful pass rate in the encounter.

The forward has now scored 13 goals for the Imperial Guards this season in only 15 league appearances, amid other dazzling displays.

He will hope to help his side progress into the semi-finals when they meet Shandong Luneng in the second leg on October 22.

Bakambu has been with Beijing Guoan since 2018 when he teamed up with the side from Spanish club Villarreal and helped them win the 2018 Chinese FA Cup title.

The forward currently has 29 caps for DR Congo and was part of the side at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Harambee Stars midfielder Collins Shichenje has signed a two-year contract extension with AFC Leopards.

Shichenje becomes the third player to sign a deal that will see him stay at the Kenyan Premier League side after Washington Munene and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.

“Defensive midfielder [Collins] Sichenje has extended his stay at AFC Leopards after putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal at the den,” AFC Leopards announced.

The teenager became an instant first-teamer at AFC Leopards after signing his first deal in 2019 from the then National Super League side Green Commandos.

He launched his career while still studying at Kakamega High School.

Just like Ochan, Shichenje has made it clear that his primary target is to help AFC Leopards win the Premier League title.

“My target this season is, together with my teammates, help the team lift the league title,” he told the club’s website.

“Personally, I want to be among the best performances in the league as well. I also want to urge our fans not to relent on their support.”

Although the youngster arrived as a midfielder, he ended up playing more games as a centre-back, especially when captain Robinson Kamura and Robert Ayala were sidelined by injuries.

Shichenje managed to keep a regular position under both Casa Mbungo and Anthony Kimani in the 2019/20 season that was cancelled in May.

A recent injury kept him out of national team duty after he had been called up by Francis Kimanzi ahead of the Zambia friendly tie at Nyayo Stadium. According to the club, he is expected to be out for six weeks.

AFC Leopards have opted to make public deals of the players they intend to keep for the seasons ahead while the fans are eagerly waiting to see who the new players will arrive.

Muzamiru Mutyaba, Fabrice Mugheni and Harrison Mwendwa are, however, the players who have agreed to sign for Ingwe, according to a source at the club.

The club is also expected to appoint Tomas Trucha as the new head coach as Kimani – who was serving on an interim capacity since December 2019 – is expected to take leave and pursue further studies.

Arsenal no longer make trips to the likes of Manchester City filled with “dread”, says Alan Smith, saying Mikel Arteta has rebuilt confidence and removed the fear of getting “embarrassed”.

The Gunners’ record on the road against fellow members of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ makes for uncomfortable reading. Away form has been an issue for some time, but the north London outfit have found the going particularly tough in fixtures that matter most.

Arteta is starting to turn that tide, with Liverpool and City among the scalps he has claimed in league and cup competition, and Smith sees cause for optimism in what could be a “funny season” for the Gunners.

 “I think Arsenal fans will be looking forward to this one [against City on Saturday]. More so than a year ago when going to the places of the big boys would have filled them with a bit of dread as to whether they were going to get turned over, embarrassed even,” former Arsenal striker Smith told Sky Sports.

“Nowadays, win lose or draw, Arsenal fans are fairly confident they'll go up there prepared, organised, and they'll give City a good game.

"Arteta has come a long way in a short space of time. As a coach, individually, and also in charge of that Arsenal team that is pushing in the right direction.

“It's that attention to detail first of all and the demand for high standards week in, week out, and day in, day out on the training ground [which Arteta has in common with Pep Guardiola]. That's the mark of a good coach, always pushing his team.

“It's getting those players to buy into that project. It's not so easy these days, you've got independent footballers that can go one way or the other if they don't feel the manager is the right man and they don't get a sense he's doing the right thing.

“Everyone at Arsenal wants to be a part of Arteta's way forward and if they're buying into it, that's a great asset, a great strength to have.

“It would be a statement to go up there and get a win. Obviously they lost at Liverpool and nobody was all that surprised by that, least of all Arteta. There's still a gap there, a sizeable one.

“The early results suggest it might be a funny season without the fans, we've already seen some strange results and we might get some more. I'm not suggesting we'll get a shock with Leicester winning the title but Arsenal should improve quite significantly on that eighth-place finish last season. I don't think there's any doubt about that.

“Quite rightly they're aiming for a top-four finish to get them back in the big time, back into Champions League football where they were for a couple of decades or more. That's the challenge.

"They've obviously won a trophy with the FA Cup last season, which was wonderful, but to get into that top four that would really make a statement in Arteta's first full season.”

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has reiterated his desire to sign Memphis Depay from Lyon.

The former Manchester United attacker had seemed destined to switch to Camp Nou before the transfer deadline of October 5, but the deal was never done.

While Memphis has indicated that his thoughts are fixed on firing OL back into the Champions League after they missed out this season, his former boss at international level has doubled down on his desire to secure the 26-year-old’s services before his contract expires next summer.

Asked by AD if he was prepared to move for the player in January, he replied: “It’s a possibility. I will try because I want to have him at Barcelona, but I can’t know what the financial situation of the club will be then. We’ll have to wait.”

Finances were one of the big stumbling blocks that prevented the deal taking place, with Barca unable to move on Ousmane Dembele, while Philippe Coutinho remained at the club.

Meanwhile, a departure for Antoine Griezmann has also been mooted as the World Cup winner went public on his complaints over Koeman’s use of him out of position on the right of the attack.

“Everything was ready but due to La Liga rules we knew we had to sell a player first,” Koeman confirmed. “In the end, that didn’t happen. We wanted Memphis because he’s a great player and because he’s got qualities that I think we lack, including an ability to play with depth in his game.”

The player, meanwhile, commented on Friday: “I’m very happy to be at Lyon. I’m proud to be a Lyon player and the captain. Things have been misunderstood. What’s said in the media is not always true. It’s true that some clubs were interested in me and came forward, but in the end no deal was done.”

When he was asked about the possibility of a January move, he replied: “That’s in four months, we’ll see. My thoughts are with Lyon.”

Barcelona, who are fifth in La Liga having won two and drawn one, travel to Getafe on Saturday before hosting Ferencvaros in the Champions League and then Real Madrid in El Clasico next weekend. 

Everton winger Yannick Bolasie is disappointed after missing out on a move to Middlesbrough on the English transfer deadline day.

The Championship club were close to signing the 31-year-old on loan but could not conclude the process before 17:00 on Friday.

Bolasie was hoping to reunite with manager Neil Warnock whom he played under at Crystal Palace after finding it difficult to break into the Everton first-team.

He will now to shift his focus to maintaining fitness in training because he has not made any Everton’s match day squad this season.

“Disappointed the deal couldn’t get done in time... Signed and sent off, waited till 19.00 with real hope,” Bolasie tweeted.

“From my end I know I was willing to give up a lot... All I want to do is say thank you to Neil Warnock (appreciate you so much) and wish Middlesbrough all the best this season.

“But now my focus is back on Everton and continuing to work hard everyday like I have been and if I’m called upon I’ll be ready to do whatever is necessary.

“Real ones know I speak from the heart nothing more nothing less.”

Bolasie claimed Middlesbrough are not to blame for the failed move because they just did not beat the deadline.

“Nothing like that at all... Backroom at Boro have been great and tried to get everything done, we just couldn’t make the cut off... Gaffer’s vision and belief in me is why I wanted to come,” he replied to a fan who blamed the club.

“Only messaged this as I can’t have any negativity on boro end.”

Earlier this month, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti disclosed that there is no space for the 31-year-old whose last competitive outing for Everton came in May 2018.

“He is doing well, training well and professionally,” the Italian manager said of Bolasie.

“He is not part of the squad, he can train with us if he's not able to find a club by the end of market and if he stays we will train him.

"But I said to him we have a big squad and unfortunately, there is no space for him."

Nick Mwendwa has retained his seat as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president for the next four years.

In what seemed like a one-horse race, the incumbent managed 77 votes out of the 85 cast in a Nairobi Hotel on Saturday. The youthful leader will now focus on continuing his projects to help football in the country develop alongside his deputy president Doris Petra.

Former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda with his running mate Athanas Obala 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.

In the race for the Federation Women Representative, Violet Kerubo Momanyi was narrowly beaten by Margaret Omondi. The latter managed to get 43 votes, one more than Momanyi.

Former Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo had zero votes.

Michael Ouma Majua won the Nairobi National Executive Council (NEC) ticket after downing Tom Onyango Alila comfortably. The former managed to collect 59 votes while Alila came second with 25. Isaac Macharia got none.

Ahmedqadar Mohamed Dabar got 82 votes against Mohammed Abdi Farah, who managed to get just three votes. As a result, Dabar will represent North Eastern in the NEC.

The Upper Rift will be represented in the executive by Bernard Korir, who succeeded David Gikaria.

Joseph Andere retained the Nyanza seat after managing to get 79 votes, ahead of his only competitor Laban Jobita, who managed just five.

The new office will now be focused on helping Kenya continue growing in football with the 2026 World Cup a target.

However, the main focus will now shift on the Harambee Stars Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double-header against Comoros.

Later on, the focus will be on the FKF Premier League which will start on November 20. AFC Leopards will be playing Western Stima in the 2020/21 opener. 

Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland must be judged on his own merits and not compared to the likes of Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowski or six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, according to former Red Bull Salzburg boss Marco Rose.

The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene over the past year, having been signed by BVB after scoring at a rate of more than one goal per game in the Austrian Bundesliga. He maintained that form upon his switch to Germany and is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the game.

Rose, who coached Salzburg from 2017 until 2019, has attempted to play down the hype. 

“He is an incredibly positive player. He arrived injured in Salzburg, fought his way up and then took off,” he told Goal. “At his young age he can already carry a team and he radiates an enormous amount of energy. He is also a funny guy. 

“But there are still many things he can learn - he knows that too. Nowadays he’s probably one of those players that you work in superlatives and make big comparisons with the likes of Robert Lewandowski or Leo Messi, but I wouldn't see him that way.”

Meanwhile, Rose is pleased to see Mario Gotze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final before fading from view, having signed up with PSV after leaving Dortmund.

“I hold Mario Gotze in high esteem, he's a nice guy,” the Borussia Monchengladbach boss said before denying his side held an interest in the 28-year-old this summer. 

“I am pleased that he has found a task that he approaches with full conviction. That speaks volumes of him. He has chosen a great traditional club. He has never been an issue for us because we never looked for him in his position.”

Rose’s campaign is set to ramp up a notch in the next few days as the Europa League begins with a trip to face Inter at San Siro.

Before then, his Monchengladbach side host Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, aiming for a second win of the season in their fourth outing.

Liverpool suffered an early injury blow in their Merseyside derby with Everton after seeing Virgil van Dijk forced off after just 11 minutes following a wild lunge from Jordan Pickford.

The Reds were already in front when the controversial incident occurred, with Sadio Mane breaking the deadlock with less than three minutes on the clock.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were looking for a second when their Dutch defender picked up an untimely knock.

Van Dijk sought to get onto the end of a ball that looped beyond the far post. Pickford raced out to meet the Liverpool centre-half and clattered into him, leaving him crumpled on the turf.

Everton’s goalkeeper, who has faced plenty of questions regarding his reliability over recent weeks, faced an anxious wait before discovering what the match officials had given.

An offside flag came to his rescue, with a VAR review deeming that the right call had been made. That got Pickford off the hook as he could have been facing at least a penalty, and potentially a red card.

Liverpool’s frustration at missing out on a spot kick was compounded when, after receiving treatment on the field, a talismanic part of their plans was forced off and straight down the tunnel.

It now remains to be seen how serious the problem picked up by Van Dijk is and how long he will be out of action for.

His absence was felt almost immediately by Liverpool, with Everton dragging themselves back into a lively contest in the 19th minute. With no Van Dijk around to organise at the back, Michael Keane headed home an equaliser.

Fabinho was unable to contain the threat posed by an England international, and he powered past Adrian to restore parity.

Liverpool knew they were going to face a response from their hosts after hitting the front so early in a keenly-contested fixture.

Mane’s goal, which saw him drill home Andy Robertson’s low cross from the left, made history for the men from Anfield. No player has ever been as quick out of the blocks on derby day for the Reds in the Premier League era.

Keeping opponents out has, however, been an issue for the defending champions in 2020-21 and another opportunity to collect a clean sheet has passed them by.

Coach Tomas Trucha is expected to arrive on Saturday and link up with AFC Leopards ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Trucha – a former Orapa United and Township Rollers tactician – is expected to be appointed Ingwe’s head coach and the news could be confirmed in the next few days. AFC Leopards have been under Anthony Kimani since December 2019 when Casa Mbungo resigned.

The Rwandan tactician left when the financial problems became unbearable at the den forcing the Kenyan Premier League heavyweights to appoint Kimani on an acting capacity.

The former Harambee Stars defender is expected to venture into further studies sponsored by AFC Leopards as he acts as the club’s assistant coach.

“The man is expected in town today [Saturday],” a source close to the club told Goal.

Trucha, 49, is a Czech Republic citizen and his immediate target will be to guide the local heavyweights to success especially in the league where they have not been successful since 1998.

AFC Leopards’ Mashemeji rivals Gor Mahia have dominated the league scene where they have won the last four titles in consecutive fashion.

Apart from winning the title, AFC Leopards would also want to pick a Mashemeji Derby win as they are without one since 2016 and the new coach will be tasked to go for it under his rein.

The club has already extended contracts of Benjamin Ochan and Washington Munene while Lewis Bandi has been promoted to the senior team.

Although they are still silent on who the new players are, Harrison Mwendwa from Kariobangi Sharks, former Rayon Sports midfielder Fabrice Mugheni, and ex-KCCA FC offensive midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba are understood to have agreed on deals with Ingwe.

In a recent interview, chairman Dan Shikanda promised they are building a formidable team that will win them trophies and thus the fans have no reason to panic.

The Nairobi outfit will start the new season with a match against Western Stima on November 20. Contact sports in the country remain banned activities by the government but Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF) has released the schedules for the 2020/21 season.

Bidco United, Zoo FC, Nzoia Sugar and either Kisumu All-Stars or Vihiga United will be the other early opponents for Ingwe in the new season.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa said they are still in deep discussion with the state on how football will be allowed to resume with strict adherence to the coronavirus health protocols.

Manchester United must bounce back strongly after the international break, according to striker Marcus Rashford.

The England man was part of the side that crumbled to a 6-1 loss against Tottenham at home, and he says that they must show a different face in Saturday’s encounter with Newcastle.

United currently find themselves just a couple of spots above the relegation zone, having lost two of their three fixtures this season.

“This is the opportunity to bounce back. Newcastle is a big game anyway, but this is an even bigger game because of the last result,” he told Sky Sports. “When you lose a game you want another one as soon as possible, you want to get that winning feeling back among the squad. Not only do we want to win, we want to win in a way that we can be proud of.

“We want to work hard, not only for ourselves by for the guy on our left and right and do it as a team. We want to get three points together and then move onto the next game, that's the way it's got to be. It has to change, if it doesn't then it is not what Manchester United are about.

“That's not to say United haven't had setbacks when they were winning things, but if they did, they always came back and showed what they were made of and why they played for the club. It's important for us to do that now.”

Meanwhile, the forward, who has won praise for his commitment to charity over the course of the year, welcomes the additional competition that new signing Edinson Cavani will bring.

“Hopefully he comes in and scores goals, because he can definitely help us win games and points,” he said. “He can be a massive player for us this season. To win two or three trophies in a season you need a squad, it's not possible if you don't have people who can score goals one week and the next week, it's just not possible without three or four forwards in a team.

“Growing up, United always had four or five forwards who could score goals at any time. The closer we get to that, the more strength we'll have.”

Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow have handed Victor Moses jersey number 8 for this season.

The 29-year-old teamed up with the Otkritie Arena outfit on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Thursday with the club having an option to buy him permanently.

Following the completion of his move to the side, the former Nigeria international has been allocated a shirt number for the campaign.

“The general director of our club, Shamila Gazizov, presented the Nigerian with a red-and-white jersey. Moses has already entered the RPL and will play for Spartak at number 8,” read a statement from the club website.

Moses had previously worn jersey number 11 at Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan and for the Nigeria national team.

Spartak Moscow will be Moses' sixth spell away from the Stamford Bridge outfit since joining the Blues in 2012 from Wigan.

The former Super Eagles forward had featured for Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United before joining Fenerbahce in January 2019.

Moses then cut short his 18-month loan with the Turkish Super Lig side in January 2020 to sign for Inter in an effort to reunite with his former manager Antonio Conte.

Under the Italian tactician, he was also converted to the wing-back role and featured prominently for Chelsea as they won the Premier League.

The forward made 12 league appearances for Inter before returning to Chelsea but manager Frank Lampard revealed he is not part of his plans for the season, so he will now continue his progress in Russia.

Moses could make his debut for Spartak Moscow when they take on Brian Idowu’s Khimki in a Premier League game on Saturday.

The winger made 38 appearances for the Nigeria national team before his retirement from international duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 29-year-old was part of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Charles Okwemba has stated Sofapaka FC have no guarantees of performing well despite bringing in big names for the 2020/21 season.

Batoto ba Mungu have so far completed the signing of Lawrence Juma from Gor Mahia, former KCB defender Michael Kibwage, veteran striker Paul Kiongera, Former APR Rwanda captain Isaac Mitima, Nigerian Michael Karamor, Michael Bodo, Roy Okal, and Kevin Omondi.

"Sofapaka have made good signings, interesting ones for that matter," Okwemba told Goal on Saturday.

"But, it will not be a guarantee that they will hit the ground running instantly, or whether they will challenge for top-honours. Sometimes football is unpredictable and you may think you are predictable but end up struggling. 

"Having stars does not guarantee immediate success.

"However, to be honest, they have done well in the transfer window."

The AFC Leopards legend has also stated Batoto ba Mungu will be a force to reckon with if new players manage to gel.

"Signing those players is a strong message from the 2009 league champions," Okwemba continued.

"It shows their intent; they are ready to challenge for the league title and in case the signed players click, they will make Sofapaka a very strong candidate for the title."

The former Kenya midfielder has compared the current squad with the one that won the league in 2009.

"Other teams in the league should be wary of Sofapaka, that is if everything goes according to plan," Okwemba added.

"It reminds me when they won the league in their debut season, every department had good players who were determined to take the team forward. 

"The current crop of players are more or less the same as that squad about 10 years ago. The only difference is that this is a new team and it needs time to gel."

The 2008 National Super League (NSL) champions will be up against Gor Mahia on December 9 and it would be an opportunity for them to halt what has become a poor record against the champions.  

In 2019, Sofapaka wasted a clear opportunity that could have propelled them to a second league trophy when they went down 2-0 in Kisumu. They were second on the table at the time and a win would have delayed Gor Mahia’s charge towards the title, thereby increasing their chances of becoming champions once more. 

The Nairobi-based club will start their campaign in the new season against KCB on November 21.