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Jose Mourinho has wasted little time in finding a new job following his sacking at Tottenham, with the Portuguese set to take charge of Roma from 2021-22 on a three-year contract.

The 58-year-old was relieved of his duties at Tottenham on April 19, with the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager failing to convince at a third Premier League employer.

His stock remains high though, particularly in Italy where he has previously enjoyed considerable success with Inter, and a role as successor to Paulo Fonseca at Stadio Olimpico is set to be taken on after committing to a deal throgh to 2024.

What has been said? 

In a statement released on the club's official website, president Dan Friedkin and vice-president Ryan Friedkin have said: "We are thrilled and delighted to welcome Jose Mourinho into the AS Roma family.

"A great champion who has won trophies at every level, Jose will provide tremendous leadership and experience to our ambitious project.

"The appointment of Jose is a huge step in building a long-term and consistent winning culture throughout the club."

What has Mourinho had to say?

A man that guided Inter to Treble glory in 2010 has won 25 major trophies over the course of his career to date.

He is hoping to enjoy more success in the Italian capital, saying of his appointment at Roma: "Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision.

"After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma. It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.

"The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.

"In the meantime, I wish Paulo Fonseca all the best and I hope the media appreciate that I will only speak further in due course. Daje Roma!"

Will Mourinho succeed in Italy?

Mourinho is one of only three managers to have won the Champions League with two different clubs - Porto and Inter - and has landed domestic titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

Roma are convinced that he can succeed in their dugout, despite his spell at Spurs ending in trophyless disappointment.

Tiago Pinto, Roma’s general manager, added: "When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time.

"We were blown away by Jose’s desire to win and his passion for the game: no matter how many trophies he has won, his primary focus is always on the next one. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels.

"We know that in order to build a successful sporting project it takes time, patience and the right people in the right positions. We are supremely confident that Jose will be the perfect coach for our project, for both our immediate and long-term future.

"Together with the vision and ambition of Dan and Ryan Friedkin, we will build the foundations of a new AS Roma."

Further reading

Former South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar believes Benni McCarthy has “seen it all” and will command the respect of players if appointed as Bafana Bafana coach. 

McCarthy’s name is being prominently mentioned as Molefi Ntseki's possible replacement as the national team coach. 

This follows the way the Bafana all-time top goal-scorer has impressed as AmaZulu coach since taking over the coaching reins at the KwaZulu-Natal club in December 2020. 

In the 23 matches he has been in charge of at Usuthu, McCarthy has led them to 14 wins, five draws and four defeats across all competitions, and the team is now regarded as Premier Soccer League title contenders. 

“I think the whole thing with the national team‚ the structure within the set-up for the coaches hasn’t been that great for the last few years — we have to be honest about that‚” Pienaar told Times Live.

“If you look at the previous coach [Ntseki]‚ I don’t think he had much support inside the structure for him to just go about his business‚ and how he wanted the national team to play.

“But I think Benni‚ on the other hand‚ has got a clear structure. He showed at Cape Town City the kind of football he wants to play.

"He’s a people’s manager. He’s been in that situation before [as a player]‚ played for the national team and at the highest level. So he knows how to communicate to the players.

“And that’s important. The players will also have respect for the manager‚ because obviously he’s been there and done it‚ and he’s seen it all.

"So I think with his stature‚ if you get him into the national team set-up it will only benefit the country.”

McCarthy enjoyed 80 caps as a South Africa international player and Pienaar believes his former teammate's deep knowledge of the national team will help him thrive if given the chance.

Speculation was rife last weekend that McCarthy would be given the Bafana job but Safa moved to play down the rumours. 

The 43-year-old’s coaching experience includes being assistant at Belgian side Sint-Truiden and a two-year stint at the helm of Cape Town City. 

“If you look at his first few years with Cape Town City‚ he did a great job there. He moved onto AmaZulu‚ and even now they are pushing Sundowns‚” continued Pienaar.

“It’s just compliments — you have to give it to him. He’s getting the best out of a bunch of players at AmaZulu who are not at the level of Sundowns‚ but he’s making them perform at that level.

“It will be great to have a former player‚ standing in front of our players‚ who’s respected among his colleagues in the football fraternity in the country. So it would be great to have him as the coach.

“I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. But if Safa can pull that one off it will only be good for the country and for the national team.”

Safa are pressed to announce a new coach ahead of the commencement of 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June.

Steven Polack has come out to clarify he did not resign as head coach of Gor Mahia as it is being portrayed by many in Kenyan football circles.

The British tactician has instead, confirmed to Goal he parted ways with the FKF Premier League champions on mutual agreement and explained he was very disappointed people think he resigned from his position as the head coach.

The 60-year-old tactician left K’Ogalo after only one season on October 9, 2020, after he requested 11 days to visit his family in Finland, but while away, the club confirmed he was not going to return to see through his contract.

“I have read some of the feedback after my story [of taking Gor Mahia to Fifa over my accrued salary] came out and I am a little bit disappointed that people think I resigned my position as head coach, that is so far from the truth,” Polack told Goal on Tuesday.

“It was a mutual agreement between the club and myself, I had written a letter to be given to all media houses which was never put forward to them. Why it wasn’t given out to the media, I don’t know and the letter that was sent to the media at the time had nothing to do with me whatsoever.”

In the letter, Polack says he wrote to Gor Mahia dated October 8, 2020, it states: “The club and I have come to a mutual agreement to terminate my contract due to the economic downturn and coronavirus pandemic which is not only affecting Gor Mahia but also other clubs and businesses around the world.

“I would like to say thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to coach Gor Mahia. I enjoyed working with all the staff, and of course the players, I thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment, so continue that same attitude going forward.

“It’s been an honour working with you all and of course the supporters, which of course you don’t have a club without them, they really made me very welcome and they were unbelievably the best in Kenya, and I really appreciated their support.”

The letter continued: “I would also like to give a very big thank you to the Kenyan people for making me feel at ease and at home. Kenya is a beautiful country which I enjoyed very much and one day I will come back to visit.

“I wish you all the best for the future and I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.”

Last week, Polack confirmed in an exclusive interview with Goal he had petitioned the world governing body Fifa to compel Gor Mahia to pay him his accrued salary.

“The club and I came to a mutual agreement to cancel the contract, personally it came as a surprise to me, as I had a year left on my contract which I was very happy to honour,” Polack told Goal.

“We had agreed on compensation, but the agreement was broken when they did not pay what was due to me on the dates we agreed on. So I put the case to Fifa who made a decision and gave notice to Gor Mahia to pay what is due to me in full.

"The timescale Fifa gave was 30 days, that time has elapsed as of today [Friday] and I have not received it, so it’s now in Fifa's hands and let’s see what the outcome will be.”

Polack’s move came a few months after Gor Mahia were handed a 10-day notice to pay Ghanaian midfielder Jackson Owusu all his outstanding dues plus a five percent interest accumulated from the relevant due dates.

While Polack did not reveal the amount he is owed by Gor Mahia, Owusu is owed Ksh2.4million and a sign-on fee of USD10,000.

In February, Gor Mahia were punished by Fifa after they were banned from signing new players for a failure to pay Tanzanian player Dickson Ambundo.

Ambundo was demanding Ksh1.2million from the club and Fifa warned the local giants that failure to settle the fines within 45 days upon the delivery of that judgement, they will be barred from engaging in the transfer window.

Ghana attacker Emmanuel Gyasi has stated the Black Stars are bent on ending their long search for a continental title at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon next year.

Four-time champions, the West Africans have suffered a series of disappointments since wining their last title in Libya in 1982.

The Black Stars are among 24 nations qualified for next year’s championship which runs between January 9 and February 6, 2022.

"Ghana are a strong National team, a good mix of interesting young prospects and more experienced players. The manager and his staff are very prepared too," Gyasi, who plays club football in Serie A for Spezia, told BBC Sport Africa.

"Ghana have played several World Cups and Africa Cups of Nations: our dream and that of our fans is to win the [Afcon] trophy.

"We know it won't be easy and we will have to think game by game, but we'll go there to make our dreams come true. We have to believe in ourselves.

"I met Alfred Duncan and Kwadwo Asamoah [the only other Ghana internationals in Serie A] when we played against Cagliari we had a nice chat after the final whistle and they gave me some advice, I want to thank them for this."

Gyasi was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents. In March, he fulfilled a long-held ambition of earning a maiden Ghana call-up and going ahead to make his debut in the Afcon qualifier against South Africa away in Johannesburg.

"My childhood dream has always been wearing the Ghana National team shirt. I wanted to become a football player and play for Ghana: I never had a doubt about it.In the past I had two idols in our national team: Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan. They were great, I used to love them and watch all of their games,” the 27-year-old explained.

"There had been some speculations about me, but I had never spoken to anyone from the Ghana Football Association before [the call-up].

"Then I was finally called up! Ghana is an important football country in Africa, with thousands of good players. I am very proud of myself."

"Although I was born in Italy and I feel very comfortable here, my land of origin is Ghana. My bond to Ghana has never vanished or diminished throughout the years.”

Gyasi will be hoping to earn a second straight call-up when Ghana coach CK Akonnor unveils his squad for next month’s 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa.

He has made 34 league appearances and scored four goals for Spezia so far this season.

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has revealed he is searching for a new club where he can find joy again.

The 35-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Turkish Super Lig champions Istanbul Basaksehir was terminated last month.

The forward made more than 60 appearances during his two-year stay at Fatih Terim Stadium, helping them to clinch the 2019-20 Super Lig title.

Ba, who played for a number of clubs during his career, spanning England, France, Germany, Belgium, China and Turkey, is hoping to secure a club soon.

"I just want to enjoy my football for the last couple of years and find joy again," Ba told Sky Sports.

"I would say there have been some things that have taken the joy of football away more or less over the last few years but I'm a lover of the game and want to finish on a very good note.

"England could be an option but I'm not stuck on one country, one division or league - I'm just waiting to see what will come.

"It may end in another league, another country but I will make the best decision for myself and my family.

"I would have loved to have two careers - one where I just travelled the world and visited countries, cultures and learnt about people because I love to do that.

"But then I would have loved another where I stayed at one club for 10, 12, 15 years because it's special to do something like that.”

At 35, the forward has started preparing for life after his retirement and revealed how he intends to help players develop cognitively, which he believes will impact their performances positively.

"I've been thinking about my own career and how I made it and the things I experienced," he added.

"I wasn't in football academies growing up and started playing professional very late. At the age of 18, I was playing in Sunday Leagues and nearly quit.

"But I managed to make it because I had people who believed in me and worked with me at the time. So I've started to focus on the cognitive perspective of players alongside the physical and technical side of the game.

"Sometimes the difference between making it is a player with a lot of confidence and one without much so my aim is to unlock the brain in the best possible way to achieve tremendous results.

"I strongly believe in life we are told we are not made for certain things and the truth is I don't think we are all born with talent but the way we are brought up, educated and developed brings about those qualities.

"I believe there are hundreds of youth players and other players who could benefit because the moment the brain is unlocked then everything will flow.

"I have already been introduced to various experts in neuro-psychology who is also interested in the project and I also have a meeting with my old coach Ralf Rangnick on it.

"When the development programme is ready, I will implement it in a club and work with the players to see the results and take it from there."

Former Inter president Massimo Moratti has urged the newly-crowned Serie A champions to rekindle their interest in Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.

A World Cup-winning midfielder on the books at Stamford Bridge has seen a move to San Siro mooted for some time, with the presence of former Blues boss Antonio Conte in Milan only serving to fan those flames.

Moratti believes every effort should be made to get a deal done this summer, with it possible that Kante could emulate the efforts of 2010 Treble winner Wesley Sneijder in lifting Inter to even greater heights.

What has been said? 

Moratti, who was Inter chairman between 1995 and 2013, has told Sky Sport Italia when asked if Kante could be a missing piece in pursuit of future success: "Yes, of course, he is a player who has all the qualities to complete the team in the best possible way.

"I remember when we took Sneijder, we were already very strong but this player, who sped up the game even more, put us in a position to have a team that was not only strong, but exceptional. 

"I believe that the same thing could happen by taking Kante, but I only say this as a fan because I know how difficult it is to sign him."

Stars already shining at Inter

Conte has already cobbled together a star-studded squad at Inter - one good enough to end an 11-year wait for domestic title glory with four games to spare.

Jose Mourinho was the last man to deliver a Serie A crown to San Siro, but Romelu Lukaku and Co have surged over that line again this season.

Moratti is among those to have been impressed by collective efforts in 2020-21, adding on those who have played leading roles in the capture of major silverware: "Lukaku and Lautaro [Martinez] are two exceptional players and Lukaku is the emblem of this victory, because in addition to scoring goals he also lightens the team's work. 

"But for me, [Nicolo] Barella was the player who most embodied the character of Inter, the character that was necessary to win. I think that Barella has had a special championship, then there are all the others. 

"There is [Achraf] Hakimi who was a surprise, even though he was known to be strong. The defence was solid and [Samir] Handanovic, who has made a few mistakes in the last few games, saved us with many spectacular saves in the first part of the championship. 

"In short, there are no weak points."

Further reading

Zoo FC have been relegated from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League after being found guilty of match manipulation by world football governing body Fifa.

In a letter to the club through the federation, signed by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee Chairman Alejandro, the Kericho-based side will now play in the third tier from the 2021/22 season.

"The Fifa Disciplinary Committee finds the club Zoo FC responsible for activities related to manipulation of football matches and competitions," read the ruling from Fifa and obtained by Goal .

"The club Zoo FC is hereby expelled from the Kenyan Premier League Season 2020/2021 as of the date of notification of the present decision. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee hereby orders the relegation of the first team of the club Zoo FC to the FKF Division One for the next season."

The team have been ordered to come up with a plan to curb the vice and communicate the same. 

"The Fifa Disciplinary Committee orders the club Zoo FC to contact FIFA in the next 30 days from the notification of this decision and implement a prevention plan as an educational directive designed to prevent and combat the manipulation of football matches and competitions."  

The Federation has also acted by writing to the club, informing them of the decision to expel them in order to avoid sanctions from Fifa. 

"We wish to inform you that we are in receipt of correspondence from Fifa dated May 4, 2021, with regard to a Fifa disciplinary Committee ruling against your club on grounds of manipulation of football matches and competition," read a letter to the club from FKF and obtained by Goal . 

"Regrettably, in view of the aforementioned decision and in accordance with FKF's obligation to Fifastatutes, the federation has expulsed your club from the 2020/2021 FKF Premier League season and relegated Zoo FC to the FKF Division One League for the season 2021/2022.  

"We thank you for taking note and for your good understanding."  

Zoo were formed in 2009 and a year later, they joined the second tier. They earned a promotion to the top tier in 2017 when the league was expanded from 16 to 18 teams.

Efforts to reach club chairman and owner Ken Ochieng to confirm whether they will appeal the decision or not were unsuccessful as our calls went unanswered. 

UEFA has announced an increase in squad lists for Euro 2020 from 23 players to 26 to "mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players" amid the continued threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Championship is due to be held between June and July this summer after being pushed back a year due to the Covid-19 outbreak, with 11 different cities set to host fixtures over the course of the tournament.

With most games across all major leagues at club level still currently being played behind closed doors, UEFA has taken the decision to allow all competing countries the chance to select three extra players for the Euros in case of any further outbreaks of the virus.

What's been said?

An official statement from European football's main governing body reads: "To mitigate the risks of teams facing a shortage of available players for certain matches due to possible positive Covid-19 tests results and subsequent quarantine measures ordered by competent authorities, it has been decided to exceptionally increase the player list for all participating teams to 26 players.

"However, 23 players shall remain the maximum number permitted on the match sheet for each individual match (in accordance with Law 3 of the IFAB Laws of the Game permitting a maximum of 12 substitutes to be named for A-national team matches), including three goalkeepers."

What other regulations have been announced?

UEFA has also outlined a new "unlimited replacements" initiative that will allow the 24 participating nations to switch out any players from their final squads that are struck down with injury or illness before the competition kicks off.

Goalkeepers can be replaced before the start of each match under the new regulations, as the statement adds: "Once the player list has been submitted on June 1, 2021, the current regulations allow unlimited replacements on the player list in case of serious injury or illness before the first match, provided that the replacements are medically certified.

"For the sake of clarity, players who have tested positive for Covid-19 or who have been declared as “close contacts” of a positive Covid-19 tested person – and therefore put in isolation - by way of an authorities’ decision are considered cases of serious illness and can therefore be replaced before the first match with the approval of the UEFA administration.

"The new regulations will now also allow goalkeepers to be replaced before each match during the tournament in case of physical incapacity even if one or two goalkeepers from the player list are still available

"To ensure the integrity of the competition, a player who has been replaced on the player list cannot be readmitted to the list."

When does Euro 2020 start?

The opening game of Euro 2020 will see Turkey take on Italy in Rome on June 11, with the group stage then set to run through to June 23.

The round of 16 is scheduled to begin on June 26 and the eventual finalists will compete for the trophy at Wembley on July 11.

Further reading

Maritzburg United can play their part in bringing an end to a 21-year wait for a league title in the KwaZulu-Natal province when they tackle Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

Heading into Wednesday's showdown in Pretoria, Sundowns are top of the standings with 51 points from 24 games. AmaZulu have 50 points from 26 games, and Arrows, following a 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu on the weekend, are on 43 points from 26 games.

Maritzburg, meanwhile, have been in decent form in 2021, but remain just three points above the relegation zone.

So while they can do their fellow KZN teams a big favour, the Team of Choice have plenty to play for themselves and motivation won't be a problem against the Brazilians.

"Obviously it's a very big game, especially coming up against such a big team with good players," Maritzburg winger Tebogo Tlolane told the club's media department.

"But we will go there focussed on getting the three points. We are not going there to lose the game.

"In the first round we got a draw, but we know in football anything's possible.

"Obviously Sundowns are a team that we have to respect. But when it comes to football, it's about what you do on the day, and we're going to go there fully focussed.

"We also know what we can achieve in the game and our capabilities. We just have to believe in ourselves and give it our all for 90 minutes."

Maritzburg have drawn three of seven matches against Sundowns since last beating them 3-1 in a Nedbank Cup match in 2018.

The visiting players will be up against several of their former teammates in the likes of Lebohang Maboe, Brian Mandela Onyango and Rushine De Reuck.

Downs forward Jose Meza is on loan at Maritzburg but has been injured in recent weeks.

Spartak Moscow manager Domenico Tedesco has revealed how Victor Moses has been a great help to his side since his arrival from Chelsea.

The 30-year-old joined the Red and Whites on a season-long loan from the Blues last summer for his sixth spell away from the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The former Nigeria international has continued to prove his worth at the club, helping them to their current second spot on the league table and now has three goals, setting up four others, including his two assists against Arsenal Tula on Monday.

Moses’ temporary deal is set to expire this summer but the Red and Whites have an option to buy the versatile winger permanently.

Although Tedesco has revealed the business of triggering the forward’s buyout option rests with the club’s financial authority, he has, however, praised the winger’s addition to his side.

"The buyout of Moses is the club's business, I can't give advice. I think his arrival was a very good decision, Victor helped us a lot," Tedesco said, as per, Sport Express.

"In some episodes, it is seen that this is a player of a different class. Today he played a great game, played well both attacking and defensively".

Moses’ performance against Arsenal Tula earned him the man-of-the-match award and has revealed his desire to help Spartak Moscow.

"I try to do everything in my power to help the team. The main thing is that we took three points," Moses told the Match Premier League channel.

"The game was not easy. The field was hard. We showed character, both team and individual, and they deservedly took three points."

Moses will hope to continue his impressive performances when Spartak Moscow take on Khimki in their next league game on May 10.

The winger has been with Chelsea since 2012 when he teamed up with the Premier League side from Wigan Athletic.

He started his career with the Crystal Palace academy before his promotion to the first team, and his dazzling moves and top-notch displays have continued to mark him out for excellence.  

Caf has approved Kenya's Nyayo Stadium to host international matches.

The facility had been closed for renovation but was re-opened in 2020. Several matches had been played there including the friendly matches between the hosts and Zambia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.

The Bright Stars also hosted Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, whereby the hosts won by a solitary goal.

However, Caf had not confirmed whether the stadium will be used for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers alongside the Moi International Sports Centre Stadium, Kasarani.

No other stadium was approved for Tanzania, meaning they will only be using the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

For Uganda, Nakivubo is still banned meaning they will play their matches at the St Mary's Stadium in Kitende. 

Kenya will start their campaign to Qatar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with a home game against local rivals Uganda. 

The two neighbours will meet in the 'Migingo Derby' on either June 5 or 6 at Kasarani.

The Cranes and Harambee Stars were pooled in Group E of the qualifiers alongside West African giants Mali and Rwanda as well with the top team qualifying for the third qualifying round.

The second match for Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee's charges will be away to Rwanda on either the 12th or 13th of the same month. 

The East Africans will then have to wait until September 3 or 4 to make a trip to West Africa to play Mali. 

Kenya will be hoping to have a better campaign after failing to make it to Cameroon, host of the Africa Cup of Nations finals. In Group G, Kenya finished third with seven points while Egypt and Comoros made it to the finals.

The Pharaohs had 13 points from the six matches played with the islanders managing nine. Togo finished at the bottom of the group with two points. 

Uganda and Tanzania also failed to qualify for the biennial competition.

Harambee Stars fixtures

Kenya vs Uganda - June 5/6

Rwanda vs Kenya - June 12/13

Mali vs Kenya - Sept. 3/4

Kenya vs Mali -  Sept. 6/7

Uganda vs Kenya - Oct. 6/7

Kenya vs Rwanda - Oct. 11/12

Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to return to winning ways when they visit Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila for Tuesday's Premier Soccer League clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

After drawing 2-2 against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Free State last Saturday, Gavin Hunt and his men are on the road again and this time around they hope to get it right at Peter Mokaba, where they were held 1-1 by Baroka FC just over three weeks ago.

The Soweto giants are placed ninth on the PSL table and a four-goal victory over TTM will see them displace TS Galaxy from position eight.

But their bid to return to the top half could face a stern challenge as they come up against a side desperate to vacate the relegation zone.

TTM are second from the bottom, four points above basement side Black Leopards.

Victory will see the Limpopo side move one rung up from 15th spot up to 14th, and Chippa United will drop back into the relegation zone. 

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Encouraging news for TTM co-coaches David Mathebula and Mpho Maleka is that they welcome back defender Ayanda Nkili from suspension.

The 30-year-old centre-back was shown a red card away at Cape Town City on April 24 and missed their last two games, against Bloemfontein Celtic and Black Leopards.

Also back for TTM is Miguel Timm who was unavailable for their last outing after picking up four yellow cards.

That would be some good news for TTM coaches as they lead a side desperate to rise out of relegation danger.

Chiefs go into this contest a heavily depleted side following injuries to key players, especially at the back.

Centre-back Daniel Cardoso is out suspended after accumulating four yellow cards while his defensive partner Erick Mathoho is also absent with an ankle injury, which will sideline him for seven to 10 days according to the club.

That is a huge worry for Hunt not to have his regular players available but Siyabonga Ngezana, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Antony Akumu are the centre-back options the coach has.

To worsen the situation at the back, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is unavailable nursing some pain in his shoulder while Daniel Akpeyi, who played 45 minutes against Celtic is also unavailable.

Likely to start in goal is Bruce Bvuma who would be deputised by Brylon Petersen.

Attacker Khama Billiat will also not be available for selection but 'is starting to run' after injuring his leg which saw him out between January and early April.

Midfielder Lebogang Lesako is also out with a troubling knee and is expected to be on the sidelines for the next two to three weeks.

Injury concerns on Happy Mashiane and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have been allayed after the midfield pair passed late fitness tests.

Match Preview

After blowing opportunities to be cement a place in the top half in their last two games, Chiefs would be keen to make up for those missed chances.

But as unpredictable as they are, they also face an equally iffy TTM side, who have a result sequence of lose-win-lose-win-lose in their last five games.

Chiefs have recorded victory just once in their last five outings, a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns which they have struggled to build upon, while two draws and as many defeats define their other results.

What could be worrisome for Hunt is that his defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six league games in which they have conceded nine goals. 

Their opponents TTM have managed to avoid conceding twice in their last five games in which they have shipped in eight goals. 

The reverse fixture between Chiefs and TTM ended in a 3-0 win for Amakhosi on January 19 with Ngcobo, Lebogang Manyama and Mashiane on target at FNB Stadium.

Chelsea take an away goal against Real Madrid into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Christian Pulisic put the Blues ahead with a composed finish, but Karim Benzema equalised with a volley from close range in the first leg fixture at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

Here's how you can watch Chelsea vs Real Madrid in India.

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Where to watch or stream the UCL match

UEFA Champions League in India is telecast on Sony Networks 

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UCL Preview

Chelsea are on a eight-match unbeaten streak that includes six wins, the last a 2-0 win over Fulham wherein Kai Havertz bagged a double. Christian Pulisic has, besides the strike at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, has scored four times in seven starts.

Thomas Tuchel and his team will be satisfied with their efforts, notching a crucial away goal before Karim Benzema converted on the volley to ensure Madrid didn't face a defeat at home.

Eden Hazard, who left Chelsea in 2019 to join Real Madrid, played the final 25 minutes as Madrid and the Blues drew 1-1 in their semi-final first leg. The Belgium has been plagued by a series of injury troubles in the recent past and Dani Carvajal has added to the injury headache being endured by Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, with the experienced right-back picking up a hamstring problem.

Real Madrid also enter the tie on the back of a 2-0 win in the domestic circuit but Wednesday's Champions League tie against Chelsea will be one not to miss.

Semifinal 1

Road to Semifinal

Real Madrid were clubbed in Group B this season alongside Borussia Monchengladbach, Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan. The Los Blanco had topped the group stage with 10 points and qualified for the round of 16 where they got the better of Atalanta (4-1 aggregate). In the quarterfinal, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 over two legs to book their berth in the semis.

Chelsea were in Group E alongside Sevilla, Krasnodar and Rennes. The Blues under then-coach Frank Lampard had topped the group stage with 14 points. In the round of 16, they defeated Atletico Madrid 3-0 on aggregate and then beat FC Porto in the quarterfinal 2-1 over two legs to reach the semifinal.

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Manisha Kalyan had made her international debut for the Indian women's national team at the age of just 17 back in 2019 in friendly game in Hong Kong. 

Even before making her national team debut, the youngster had signed for Gokulam Kerala FC and played in the 2018-19 season of the Indian Women's League (IWL) where she scored two goals. In the succeeding, she tasted success for the first time as Gokulam lifted their maiden IWL title.

The Punjabi midfielder opined that by introducing the IWL, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has done a great service to the women's football in India as playing in such professional leagues gives the much needed financial security to the players.

What did Manisha say?

"The IWL was very important for Women's football in India," Kalyan told Goal in an exlusive chat. "Earlier it was just one Women's national competition and it was the only tournament in professional football for women. There were no other tournaments so it was important. Firstly, due to the IWL, the girls are now financially stable which is very important for professional players. We are getting competitive matches against quality players which improve our standard."

In 2020, Kalyan had lifted her first ever trophy in professional club football but almost immediately after that football in India had to be halted due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, the women footballers have not had any competitve action so far.

The new season of the IWL was supposed to kick-off in May but a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in India has once forced the Indian FA to halt it.

Impact of the pandemic on women's football

"It was not just for us but the pandemic affected everyone across the world. The cases are high in India at the moment so they had to cancel the IWL. Let's see what happens next.

"It is a problem, of course, because we are not able to play competitive matches. If we don't get matches then we won't be able to assess our progress. We are practising on our own. But it has definitely affected us," said the Indian midfielder.

'Gokulam Kerala a well-organised side'

The youngster wholeheartedly praised Gokulam Kerala and certified them as a very well-organised club. She also reminisced the championship winning season with the Malabarians.

"I have played for Gokulam Kerala for two seasons in the IWL and the best thing I liked about the club was their practice sessions and how well organised they were. The coaches at the club are very good. The season we won the trophy, we were like a well-knit unit and that is why we won the title."

Importance of U-17 World Cup and AFC Asian Cup? 

"The AFC Women's Asian Cup is in 2022 and my target is to do well for the country and make sure we give a tough competition to the other teams. I am working very hard for that. After that I hope to get a chance to play outside the country for a foreign club.

"The U17 World Cup and the AFC Women's Asian Cup will be very good for women's football in India. It will be a great opportunity to increase awareness about women's football in the country."

Yassine Bounou is refusing to give up on Sevilla’s LaLiga title chase despite losing 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao on Monday evening.

Unbeaten in their last eight Spanish elite division matches, Julen Lopetegui’s men were hoping to continue their impressive streak against the Lions at home – which would boost their domestic aspirations.

However, that was not the case as Inaki Williams’ 90th-minute strike ensured that Marcelino Garcia’s team left the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium with all points on offer.

Profiting from a counter-attack, the Spanish forward who came in for Asier Villalibre fired the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper after collecting a pass from Oihan Sancet.

Sevilla are, however, just six points below leaders Atletico Madrid – with four games left to take in - and Bounou is adamant his side will remain in the title fight.

"Right now, I am disappointed because we were very excited to remain hooked,” the former Wydad Casablanca and Girona told the club website.

“We made a very complete match, we put up with the whole game and in a transition, we ended up on the losing side. The team will continue to fight until the end, however.

"We had good opportunities, our opponent’s goalkeeper made good saves and the team cannot be blamed for anything.

“We will continue to fight to improve the fourth position."

Echoing this sentiment is French centre-back of Beninese descent Jules Kounde.

First, the 22-year-old talked about his fitness after overcoming some discomfort during the past week.

"I am well, it is true that I had discomfort, but less than during the week,” said Kounde.

“It's hard now, we're disappointed as we wanted to win to get more chances.

“Mathematically it's possible, but it's very difficult and you have to keep fighting.

"We have left everything in the field, we had several opportunities and we lacked a little more success. It's very hard."

Youssef En-Nesyri was named in the starting XI but he was substituted for Franco Vazquez with nine minutes left to play.

Sevilla would be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they face title challengers Real Madrid in their next outing on Sunday.

Phillipp Mwene is pleased to have scored his first German topflight goal as Mainz played a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin on Monday evening.

In the low-scoring affair, Lucas Tousart had given the visitors a 36th minute lead after heading Marton Dardai’s free-kick past goalkeeper Robin Zentner.

Four minutes later, the 27-year-old levelled matter for the 05ers thanks to a stunning effort that was unstoppable by goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

With both sides failing to find the net in the second half, the affair staged at the Opel Arena ended on a no winner no vanquished note.

Having ended his agelong wait for a Bundesliga goal, the Kenya prospect stated that his industry eventually paid off against Pal Dardai’s side.

He is also excited that Mainz could bounce back despite conceding first, albeit, he would have fancied his team picking all points at stake.

“We take the point with us, even though we had of course planned to win today,” Mwene told the club website.

“We started well, could have taken the lead early on. At the opposite end, we slept and the least expected happened to us.

“After that, we responded well. I was very happy about my goal, it was a reward for the hard work over the last few weeks.

“Now, we have three more games in which we want to make move clearly from the relegation zone as early as possible."

As a result of this draw, Mainz now occupy the 12th position in the German elite division log after accruing 35 points from 31 fixtures.

They would be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run to nine when they travel to the Deutsche Bank Park for their clash versus Adi Hutter’s Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.

Eintracht Frankfurt - who boast of Angola's Jabez Makanda and Morocco's Aymen Barkok - are fourth in the log with 56 points.

Victory for them would brighten their chances for a Champions League ticket next season.

Mwene joined Mainz from third division side Kaiserslautern in 2018 on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He is eligible to represent the Harambee Stars on the international scene.

West Ham coach David Moyes hopes his side can sneak into the Champions League next season.

The Hammers are chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League after beating Burnley 2-1 on Monday.

The London club are currently fifth in the table and three points behind Chelsea, who occupy the last Champions League qualifying spot.

What has been said?

Moyes believes his side will have to win each of their remaining games if they are to earn a place in Europe's premier club competition and would be disappointed if they cannot at least make the Europa League.

"I'm hoping that with four games to go people still talk about us being in the Champions League," Moyes said to BBC Sport.

"We want to keep going, we want to go right to the last day and see if we can sneak in. It will probably take us winning all of our games.

"I think if we made European football this year it would be a brilliant achievement. I might admit I think I'd be disappointed now if we didn't get there, but I don't think it would change how we feel about the season and how we're doing."

What next for West Ham?

Moyes' side are in action again on Sunday when they host Everton in the Premier League.

Six days later they will visit Brighton before a trip to West Brom on May 19.

The Hammers will then finish their top-flight campaign with a home game against Southampton.

What about Chelsea?

Chelsea are still in contention to win this season's Champions League as they gear up for the second leg of their semi-final tie with Real Madrid on Wednesday, having drawn 1-1 with Zinedine Zidane's men last week.

Afterwards, Thomas Tuchel's team will take on Manchester City away in the Premier League, followed by an away game against Arsenal.

After their FA Cup final clash with Leicester, Chelsea will face the Foxes again in the league before concluding their campaign with a trip to Aston Villa. 

Have West Ham played in the Champions League before?

Securing a top-four finish would see West Ham reach the Champions League for the first time.

The last time they competed in Europe was in 2016-17 campaign when they made it to the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, only to be eliminated by Romanian side Astra Giurgiu.

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