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Retired Kenyan international Dennis Oliech has revealed how former Brazil star Ronaldinho made a fool of him during a Uefa Champion League game.

Oliech was turning out for Ligue 1 side Auxerre while Ronaldinho was playing for AC Milan when they met in the 2010 European campaign.

The former Gor Mahia striker said he easily fell for Ronaldinho’s trick when they tussled for a ball.

 “I actually have that clip Ronaldinho made a fool of me; people laughed at me,” Oliech told The Standard Sports.

“I controlled the ball with my chest thinking that my pace will help me, but unfortunately he had other ideas as I easily fell in his own trap as he chipped the ball over me.

“His reaction reminded me of Malo [Jamal]. The first touch let me down, but I think such displays explain why Ronaldinho was considered as one of the best players in the world.”

Oliech added his best career moments remain when he played in the Champions League and brushed shoulders with the best players in the world.

“My best moment was when I played in the Champions League with Auxerre and met some of the best players in the world like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcelo, Pepe among others,” he said.

“I feel that’s a dream come true for me because these are players I only used to watch on television.”

The retired forward – who is Kenya’s all-time scorer with 34 goals – said he never came across a defender he would define as the toughest.

“I was also grateful to have played with Taribo West in Qatar. But I think I never encountered a tough defender during my playing time, the only person who gave me a difficult time is Ronaldinho,” he concluded.

“He was a magician and he could do anything with the ball. His technical abilities were close to none and that’s why he inspired many footballers including Messi and Neymar.”

When Oliech left the national team, the captain’s armband was given to Victor Wanyama.

The Montreal Impact midfielder was dropped for the last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and Oliech has said it was a blunder to omit him.

Simba SC have hit out at the Tanzania Premier League Board and Yanga SC for the cancellation of the Kariakoo Derby that was scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

The match was postponed for two hours - from 17.00 to 19.00 - something that Timu ya Wananchi did not appreciate and they opted to walk away, insisting rules and guidelines have to be followed when changing kick-off times.

The TPLB went on to postpone the game, something that has not gone down well with the stakeholders.

Mnyama are now asking to be handed a win and feel Wananchi should be relegated for skipping the game.

"We all know Yanga did not do good by refusing to play and per the rules they should be relegated to the third tier and Simba be awarded three points and two goals," the reigning champions said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"What Yanga did is like a betrayal to the country and the government who had ordered the match to be pushed forward by two hours. 

"We believe the postponement of the game was done intentionally by the Tanzania Premier League Board to favour Yanga who were obligated to obey the guidelines from the government through TFF. 

"Simba are saddened by the decision of the TPLB and urge respective authorities to investigate the matter fully including the reason why Yanga were allowed to access the stadium before the time. We have also written to those authorities over the same."

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have apologised to the fans, asking them to remain calm as they wait for those responsible to find a solution that will not favour any team.

"We apologise to our fans, members, football supporters and all Tanzanians at large for the inconveniences caused. We believe a just decision will be reached and all we ask our fans is to be calm," the statement added.

Simba next travel to Kaizer Chiefs for the Caf Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash.

The 21-time Tanzania Mainland League champions finished top of Group A with 13 points from four wins, a draw, and a loss.

They are aiming at going all the way and reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Ahmed Musa did not make his much-awaited Nigeria Professional Football League return as 10-man Kano Pillars played a 1-1 draw at Warri Wolves.

The Nigeria international joined the Sani Abacha Stadium giants on April 13 for a second stint.

Musa had been a free agent since parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on October 25, 2020.

The former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow star returned to Sai Masu Gida after agreeing on a short-term contract with the Nigerian topflight outfit.

Many Nigerian fans had expected him to feature against the Seasiders. But to their disappointment, the 28-year-old did not make Ibrahim Musa’s squad for the crunch encounter.

At the Warri Township Stadium, the hosts put up a fine attacking display. However, their efforts got repelled by good goalkeeping from Joshua Enaholo.

Pillars’ ambition of picking u an away win suffered a massive setback as their Cameroonian import Ndasi Kadiang was given the marching orders by referee Jelili Ogunmuyiwa for a second caution.

Despite playing with a man less, the visitors took the lead in the 57th minute courtesy of Auwalu Ali Malam.

Knowing that a defeat would spell doom for their battle against relegation, Paul Offor’s men came out stronger in search of an equaliser.

In the 75th minute, they came close to finding the net, but Stanley Otu’s header sailed over the crossbar.

Their persistence paid off with four minutes left to play as Mark Daniel scored from the penalty area after a foul was committed by one of Pillars’ defenders.

Following this away draw, Pillars dropped to second in the NPFL spot while Akwa United took over the leadership position following their 2-1 home triumph over Gbenga Ogunbote’s Sunshine Stars.

Musa is expected to be in action when the former Nigerian champions take on struggling Adamawa United in their next outing. The Yola based outfit sits at the base of the log after amassing just 12 points so far in the 2020-21 campaign.

The speedy forward began his European expedition at Eredivisie side VVV Venlo and his impressive performances at the Dutch side saw him sign for Russian top-flight side CSKA Moscow.

Having won three Premier League titles, one Russian Cup and two Russia Super Cups with the Horses in his four-year spell, he joined Leicester City on July 8, 2016, for a club record of £16.6 million at that time.

His presence would serve as a big boost for Sai Masu Gida who are in the race to emerge as Nigerian league champions for the fifth time.

Arjen Robben said he would be happy to play for Netherlands at Euro 2020 after an impressive performance for Groningen on Sunday.

The 37-year-old made his first start for Groningen since September and pitched in with two assists as his side won 4-0 at Emmen in the Eredivisie.

The winger was relieved to play a starring role for 80 minutes and later declared himself available should Frank de Boer decide to call him up.

What did Robben say?

"I've come a long way, that is what I wanted," Robben told ESPN as he shed tears of joy in his post-match interview.

"I want to help the club and I want to play. If I can and it works then I'm very happy. 

"It was a hard road. I was hoping for it and I expected more from it. It was tough and difficult, but I kept fighting. The reward had to come sometime. I had fun, like a child, and was also important to the team.

"I'm really happy. This is what I do it for. Starting again for the first time, I wanted it so badly."

He continued: "I have to stay focused on my work. I can do nothing but my best. Everyone is working on it, everyone is participating. Then you want to get on that field and play.

"On the training field I also try to help and take on a different role, but this is it. They just asked me if I needed anything else. I said: 'A wheelchair in the morning!'"

Could Robben play at Euro 2020?

Netherlands coach De Boer suggested on Sunday he could call Robben up to the national team for the European Championship this summer.

Asked what his response would be, Robben said: "Then I'll come! When I started this last summer, the Euros was something of my wildest dreams.

"Firstly I want to stay realistic and see how things go in the coming weeks. Then we'll see further."

How many games has Robben played this season?

The former Bayern Munich star returned to his boyhood club after coming out of retirement last summer but suffered a groin injury in his first game.

After several weeks out, he made a brief appearance against Utrecht in October but was then sidelined for several months as his muscle problem returned.

Robben made his comeback last month with a late substitute appearance against Heerenveen and then was given longer on the field as they lost 2-1 to Sparta last week.

The win against Emmen was Robben's fifth in the Eredivisie this season.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his side is entering the final stretch of the league season following the Tshwane giants' win over TS Galaxy on Sunday.

Masandawana edged closer to successfully retaining the PSL title after claiming a 1-0 win over the Rockets at Mbombela Stadium courtesy of Peter Shalulile's first-half goal.

Mngqithi acknowledged that is never easy to play against Galaxy head coach Owen da Gama as the Rockets made Masandawana sweat for the victory. 

"Like I told you before playing against Owen any time that he coaches it's never easy because the team has good intensity," Mngqithi told SuperSport TV.

"They don't give you time on the ball. They work very hard and we had to break down and get something and fortunately, we managed to get our goal which I think opened the game up a little bit.

"We started getting some inroads behind their defence because initially they were sitting deep and when they got desperate and opened up a little bit, that's when we brought Peter to come and play as a nine because we were looking for space behind.

"But the most unfortunate part is that we struggled to get that insurance. The game looked like it was going down to that game where in the last stages we need to be more focused.

"They nearly caught us with a set-piece in the dying minutes of the game."

Sundowns are sitting at the top of the league standings - seven points above second-placed AmaZulu FC and the Tshwane giants will win the PSL title if they win their next two games. 

Mngqithi indicated that winning their recent games against Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and now Galaxy, has put his side in a good position to win the league trophy.

"It's never easy to play against Owen. One must thank the boys. They worked very hard. Considering that we have been playing back to back, games close to another. These games were important to stamp our authority and to show everyone we are very keen to try and win this trophy," he added.

"We've got a very good group. They all work very well as a team. They are very positive. They are more willing to fight for one another. And the only thing we can ask for is to stay true to our process because we've got our own process. We are just entering the last cycle."

Mngqithi went on to thank the PSL's acting chief executive officer Mato Madlala after league fixtures were shifted, since the Tshwane giants are set to face Egypt's Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League quarter-final first leg on May 15.

"The fact that the games have been pushed back is giving us a little bit of a breather between the Champions League. Because most of the time we complain that our fixtures are not right. We need to thank the CEO of the league to give us more rest to conquer Africa," he concluded.

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Racing Club vs San Lorenzo

Former Barcelona forward and Copa America-winning coach with Chile Juan Antonio Pizzi took over at Racing at the start of the 2021 season.

The club have failed to impress on a regular basis, though, with goals in particular hard to come by in this competition - just 12 in as many matches. 

Accomplished wins over Independiente and Colon have been tempered with defeats against the likes of Arsenal and Central Cordoba, but Racing will nevertheless be certain of a place in the play-offs should they beat San Lorenzo by two goals or more, while failure to win will most likely end their campaign.

San Lorenzo have been similarly inconsistent over the course of 2021, but find themselves in a strong position going into this final game having beaten River Plate and Godoy Cruz in their last two outings. 

Three points clear of the chasing pack in third place, a draw in Avellaneda will be enough to secure the Cuervo's play-off berth.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Racing Club vs San Lorenzo team news

Pizzi is considering a mixed team of starters and reserves for Sunday's match, bearing in mind that just over 48 hours later La Academia return to Copa Libertadores action away to Cristal.

The visitors will have to do without Angel Romero, after the Paraguay forward returned a positive Covid test during the week.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch River Plate vs Aldosivi

River have lost their way somewhat in recent weeks, suffering back-to-back defeats to San Lorenzo and Banfield to throw away what seemed a certain play-off berth.

Victory on Sunday would nevertheless be enough to ensure a place in the top four, but if Marcelo Gallardo's men drop points they could be overtaken by any one of five teams below them in the standings. 

Having endured a wretched 2020 in terms of results, Aldosivi moved to give ex-Boca and Real Madrid star Fernando Gago his first coaching job. 

The rookie has shown encouraging signs in Mar del Plate but has failed to turn decent performances into points, and the Tiburon languish in the bottom reaches of Group 1 with no chance of making the play-offs in this final game.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

River vs Aldosivi team news

Gallardo took the unusual step of resting Paulo Díaz, Fabrizio Angileri, Enzo Pérez, Nicolás De La Cruz and Rafael Santos Borré for Thursday's Copa Libertadores draw with Santa Fe and will return the quintet to his starting line-up on Sunday.

Aldosivi should be at full strength for their visit to the Monumental.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Virgil van Dijk has to be the one to decide whether he will play at Euro 2020, according to Frank de Boer, who is still hopeful that the Liverpool defender can make his final Netherlands squad.

Van Dijk saw his 2020-21 campaign cruelly cut short after he was left with cruciate ligament knee damage following a late tackle from Jordan Pickford in a 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton on October 17.

The defender underwent successful surgery after the game before starting an extensive rehabilitation programme, and although it is still not yet know when he will be fit to return, De Boer remains optimistic he will be available for the European Championship.

What's been said?

“I think he has to decide, it is his career,” the Netherlands boss told ESPN.

"I can imagine that he is in a dilemma. Can It mean something for Oranje? I hope he has made giant steps in his rehabilitation.”

What has Klopp said about Van Dijk?

Klopp has insisted that he wants Van Dijk to participate in the Euros, but is sceptical about his chances given the fact he will have very little time to build up any match fitness.

"Virgil's knee. I don't want to hold him back, but you cannot force it as well," The Reds boss said earlier this month.

"If you want to play in a tournament, you have to train beforehand, proper football training - and not a week before but weeks before.

"You can't after 10 or 11 months out train for a week and then play football, that is just not possible. It should not be possible.

"Nobody is holding him back, I can promise all the people in Holland that. But you can't force it, and we will not."

The bigger picture 

Van Dijk will no doubt be chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, but Liverpool are unlikely to take any risks after investing so much time and effort into making sure his recovery runs smoothly.

The 29-year-old is now training on his own again, but has not yet been cleared to return to full sessions with the rest of the squad, and is not expected to feature in any of their final three Premier League games.

De Boer has plenty of other options at his disposal in the heart of the defence, and may have to explore them instead of calling upon Van Dijk, who the Reds will be desperate to make sure is fit and raring to go in time for the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

Further reading

Roosa Ariyo scored an incredible stunner as TiPS came from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory over Aland United in Saturday's Finnish Naisten Liiga game.

The Nigerian-Finnish born forward has been in breathtaking form for Pauliina Miettinen's side this term, continuing from where she left off the 2020 season, scoring six goals in six games.

Following a 4-0 victory at Ilves the last time out, TiPS were eager to maintain their fine run at home against the Finnish champions, who are undefeated in three opening matches this season. 

The hosts made a false start to the encounter as Monica Hagstrom gave Steve Beeks's team the lead after 29 minutes of action.

However, TiPS fought back almost immediately as Ariyo scored a stunner from almost 40 metres to level matters a minute later.
 
After the break, Joanna Tynnila struck six minutes into the second half of the contest to ensure a back-to-back triumph for TiPS at Myyrmaen Jalkapallostadion.

Ariyo featured for 94 minutes before she was replaced by Peppi Pisila and has now scored three goals in four outings this season.

The result saw TiPS climb to second on the Finnish table with nine points from four matches - three behind leaders KuPS. 

In search of a third win in a row, PK-35 Vantaa will be the next place of visit for TiPS as they aim to keep up their push to reclaim the title. 

Simba SC Communications Officer Haji Manara has pointed out it will be stupid of him if he fails to apologise to the fans after the unsuccessful Kariakoo Derby between Simba SC and Yanga SC that was scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday. 

The match was pushed forward for two hours; from 17.00 hours to 19.00 hours, something that Timu ya Wananchi did not take lightly and they opted to walk away insisting rules and guidelines have to be followed when changing kick-off times. The vocal official was left hurt considering he was moving from one platform to another urging the fans to fill the stadium.

"From Monday I had been moving from radio, television and newspapers promoting Saturday's match which was later postponed," Manara said on Sunday.

"I am not blaming myself for what I did but I am hurt with the fact that the fans did not get what they deserved. I feel guilty that my voice was used to bring the fans pain, and had to seek forgiveness from the fans, especially those who came at the Mkapa Stadium.

"Yes, I might not be responsible for what happened, but I will be stupid for not apologising." 

On Sunday, the Tanzania Football Federation asked the Tanzania Premier League Board to shed light on the cancellation of the Kariakoo Derby. 

The Federation states it was saddened by what transpired and has tasked the TPLB to come up with a solution.

"TFF is saddened by what transpired on Saturday that led to the cancellation of the Tanzania Mainland League match between Simba SC and Yanga SC," read the statement obtained by Goal.

"TFF takes this opportunity to apologise to all the stakeholders; those who had paid to watch the game in the stadium, those who were ready to watch on TV, those who were following on radio as well as those who were ready to provide their services.  

"The Federation has now asked the Tanzania Premier League Board to shed more light on the postponement of the game, and explain the way forward to all football lovers who paid the entrance fee hoping to watch the game."

The Tanzania Football Federation has asked the Tanzania Premier League Board to shed light on the cancellation of the Kariakoo Derby between Simba SC and Yanga SC that was scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday evening.

The highly anticipated derby pitting the two sides against each other was called off after Team ya Wananchi refused to abide by the impromptu changes by the TFF - who were working under the advisory of the Ministry of Sports and the local authorities, which pushed the match forward by two hours. 

The 27-time league champions felt it was not fair and opted against playing and walked away. 

The Federation states it was saddened by what transpired and has tasked the TPLB to come up with a solution.

"TFF is saddened by what transpired on Saturday that led to the cancellation of the Tanzania Mainland League match between Simba SC and Yanga SC," read the statement obtained by Goal.

"TFF takes this opportunity to apologise to all the stakeholders; those who had paid to watch the game in the stadium, those who were ready to watch on TV, those who were following on radio as well as those who were ready to provide their services.  

"The Federation has now asked the Tanzania Premier League Board to shed more light on the postponement of the game, and explain the way forward to all football lovers who paid the entrance fee hoping to watch the game."

Rumours had it that the match was pushed forward owing to a failure to find enough police officers to provide security. The federation has insisted it will continue working with the government to ensure the game remains safe for all.

"TFF has been closely working with the government as its main stakeholder and will continue to do so to ensure all football matches are played peacefully and safely," the statement continued.

"The issue is being handled and TFF will also meet the representatives of Simba and Yanga to discuss the way forward."  

Mnyama were aiming at winning the game to extend the lead at the top while Wananchi needed maximum points to keep their hopes of winning the league alive. 

Villarreal star Samuel Chukwueze faces a fitness race to be ready in time for the Uefa Europa League final after the club confirmed he has suffered muscle damage in his left leg.

The 21-year-old was stretchered off in pain during Thursday's Europa League semi-final clash with Arsenal in North London as Unai Emery’s men held their hosts to a goalless draw.

A 2-1 win from the first-leg helped Villarreal advance to the final and they will battle Manchester United for the European crown at the PGE Arena Gdansk on May 26.

Chukwueze delivered an impressive performance during the 2-1 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica last Thursday, with an assist for Manu Trigueros’ opening goal which earned him plaudits from fans across social media.

No date has been set for his return to action but the Yellow Submarine disclosed that the Nigeria international’s recovery is dependent on his progress.

“Medical tests carried out on Samu Chukwueze have confirmed muscular damage to the quadriceps in his left leg, which he picked up during the second leg of the Uefa Europa League semi-final against Arsenal FC," the club statement read.

"The recovery time depends on the player's progress.”

Chukwueze has been a key part of Unai Emery's selection this season and he recently rediscovered his goalscoring boots with three goals in his last four La Liga appearances.

After ending his 17-game goal drought in the Spanish top-flight with a brace against Levante on April 18, the Super Eagles star scored Villarreal's only goal as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Barcelona a week later.

He has contributed five goals and six assists in 39 matches across all competitions this season as he hopes to win his first major title with Villarreal since he joined them from Nigerian club Diamond Football Academy in 2018.

Villarreal will have to do without the Nigeria international when they host Celta Vigo in their next La Liga clash on Sunday.

The Yellow Submarine are sixth on the Spanish top-flight table with 52 points from 34 games.

The German football association (DFB) must speed up their pursuit of Hansi Flick, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who says that the Bayern Munich coach will be in "great demand" this summer.

Flick has been touted as the main candidate to replace Joachim Low as Germany's next manager following the European Championship.

The DFB has already confirmed that it has held initial talks with the 56-year-old, but a final agreement has yet to be reached, with Rummenigge warning that he will have plenty of other options to consider if negotiations fail to advance soon.

What's been said?

"Hansi would be a perfect fit for the DFB," the Bayern CEO told Sky Germany. "One can only strongly recommend that they conclude this personnel matter quickly.

"Hansi is a coach in great demand due to his success. At the end of the day, there would be much drama if he went somewhere else in Europe and not to the DFB."

Flick's stance on his future

Flick will step down from his role at Bayern at the end of the season, having decided to cut his contract short by two years in order to take up a new challenge in fresh surroundings, with RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann set to fill his spot in the Allianz Arena dugout.

He refused to confirm whether that next step will see him join up with the German national team when quizzed on his future after Bayern's 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, but did admit that he is open to moving into international management.

"I want to continue to be a coach and work with a team that is capable of winning titles. It's a lot of fun," Flick told Sky Sports.

"It is my absolute consideration that I have a club or a country to train that is capable of winning titles."

Pressed on whether he could return to Bayern in the future, he added: "I can imagine that a lot. That cannot be ruled out. FC Bayern is my club."

The bigger picture

In the space of just a season-and-a-half, Flick has established himself as one of the best managers in European football, guiding Bayern to seven major trophies, including two Bundesliga crowns and the Champions League.

He has the credentials to usher in a new era for Germany when Low's 15-year reign ends in July, but there are a few more high-profile names still reportedly in the running for the position in case he passes up the opportunity.

U21s boss Stefan Kuntz has been touted to take over at senior level in recent months, while former national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have also been linked.

Further reading

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila head coach Dylan Kerr has revealed Jose Mourinho’s message to him ahead of their Nedbank Cup final against Chippa United on Saturday.

Ndabayithehthwa Ndlondlo scored the goal that ensured the Limpopo province club won the cup 1-0 – in their first-ever major final – and book a Caf Confederation Cup berth for the 2021/22 season.

Kerr revealed he has close contact with the veteran Portuguese manager and met him while undertaking a coaching course in Scotland.

And before Saturday's encounter against fellow Premier Soccer League side Chippa United – Kerr said Mourinho urged him to "take the cup home".

"When I did my SFA coaching badge at Largs, [Jose] Mourinho was on the same course and we've kept in touch through email,” Kerr told The Scottish Sun.

"I sent him a message this week telling him we were in the final and he sent one back saying, 'Come on, I wish you the best and take the cup home.'"

Kerr – who was appointed TTM’s head coach this year – also explained how his side saw off stiff competition to book the final berth in South Africa's premier cup competition.

TTM played SuperSport United, Moroka Swallows, and Mamelodi Sundowns in the knockout stages before booking a date with Chippa United in the final

"We'd played them [Mamelodi Sundowns] in the league the week before and lost 3-1. All the pundits here were saying it would be 5-0 to Sundowns in the semi-final,” stated the former Gor Mahia and Simba SC head coach.

"But even though it was at their home stadium, we drew 0-0 and won on penalties. It was the equivalent of Elgin going to Ibrox and beating Rangers!

"It's the first time TTM have reached the final and everyone in the town, Thohoyandou, is excited. I'm a well-known face in the town and people shout 'coach' at me, or 'Mlungu', their word for a white person.”

Kerr has managed to stabilize the Thohoyandou-based club and they are now above Chippa United and Black Leopards – Kerr’s former club – on the PSL table.

TTM are expected to trade with a new name from the 2021/22 season after it acquired a new owner – Abram Sello - who bought it from Lawrence Mulaudzi midway through the season.

Yanga SC are confident they will "serve Simba SC the justice they deserve" despite the cancellation of their Tanzania Mainland League match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday. 

The highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby pitting the two sides against each other was called off after Team ya Wananchi refused to abide by the impromptu changes by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) which pushed the match forward by two hours.

The 27-time league champions felt it was not fair and opted against playing and walked away. However, they still remain optimistic of playing their opponents on a future date.

"We thank the fans, members, and all the Young Africans SC supporters for filling the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in readiness for the game against Simba," Wananchi posted on their official social media platforms.

"[Simba] are lucky because they were going to suffer. Wananchi relax, justice might be delayed but eventually it will be served."

On Saturday after the changes in the kick-off time, the former champions felt it was unprofessional and they challenged the TFF to stick to guidelines and rules set.

"The Yanga management is disappointed with the pushing forward of the game against Simba from 5 pm to 7 pm," read a statement obtained by Goal.

"The changes are against the rules; article 15 (10) of the rules governing the game in the country states 'any changes regarding the kick-off should be communicated to both teams 24 hours earlier.'  

"Yanga management will not agree on the kick-off time communicated and will honour the initial time, 5 pm.  

"The management has further challenged the TFF to run the league in accordance with the set rules and guidelines."

True to their word, the team entered the pitch and warmed up, preparing to play at 17:00.

They then selected their starting xi for the game, who were Metacha Mnata, Adeyum Saleh, Shomari Kibwana, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Abdallah Shaibu, Mukoko Tonombe, Faisal Salum, Tuisila Kisinda, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Yacouba Songne, and Michael Sarpong.

However, there were no match officials and the opponents, who had opted to abide by the time changes. 

With Yanga standing their ground, the organisers had no alternative but to communicate the game had been postponed.