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Rwanda striker Meddie Kagere has reached a new landmark at Simba SC after notching 50 goals since joining the Mainland Premier League champions.

The 34-year-old striker reached the mark on Wednesday as the Wekundu wa Msimbazi laboured to a 1-0 win against KMC in a league match played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Kagere, who came on as a second-half substitute, stepped up to convert from the penalty spot in the 77th minute after a KMC defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.

The former Gor Mahia forward took the honours to send keeper Juma Kaseja the wrong way to reach 50 goals since joining the club and also hand them a vital win in their push to retain the title.

Kagere joined Simba from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in 2018 and has already won two golden boot awards, the 2018-19 season and the 2019-20 season. In the first season, he notched 23 goals, while in the second he managed 22 goals.

So far this season, Kagere has managed to find the back of the net five times, reaching a total of 50 goals.

Speaking to reporters after the KMC match, Kagere admitted he was happy to have reached 50 goals and said he can only thank his teammates for helping him to achieve the fete.

“I thank God because I was not even aware I have already scored 50 goals in a Simba shirt,” Kagere told reporters. “I cannot achieve such a great fete on my own and that is the reason I want to thank my teammates for always being there for me.

“We are playing as a team at Simba and we want the motto because our vision for this season is to retain the league title and go far in the Caf Champions League.”

According to the available statistics, out of the 50 goals, Kagere has managed 28 from his right leg, four from his left foot and 14 are headed goals.

Kagere will now hope his fine form will continue as Simba leaves for Zimbabwe on Friday to take on FC Platinum in the second round of the Champions League.

Simba eliminated Nigerian side Plateau United on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline while Platinum made it to the next round on a 4-1 aggregate win after eliminating Costa De Sol of Mozambique.

The first leg of the Simba vs Platinum game will be played on December 22 or 23 in Zimbabwe with the return leg planned for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on January 5 or 6, 2021.

Ajax and Ghana prodigy Mohammed Kudus has never hidden his admiration for compatriot and national team captain Andre Ayew.

As the Swansea City attacker marks his 31st birthday on Thursday, the former Nordsjaelland midfielder would not miss an opportunity to celebrate his role model one more time.

"King of the kings Ayew Andre. Keep lighting the way and inspiring us. More life Pops! Blessings [plus] blessings," Kudus tweeted on Thursday.

The 20-year-old and the Swansea City man linked up on national duty for the first time in 2019 when the former earned his maiden senior Ghana call-up ahead of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

The Ajax man would have a debut to remember against Bafana Bafana as his second-half effort after coming on as a substitute sealed a 2-0 win for Ghana in Cape Coast. The chemistry between the two players became even more apparent when Ayew joined the 20-year-old to celebrate his debut senior goal (a moment captured in Kudus’ photo on Twitter).

Four days later, the two players shared a pitch one more time as the Black Stars registered a 1-0 away victory over Sao Tome and Principe.

Seven months later, Kudus joined Dutch giants Ajax in a five-year deal worth a reported €9 million. In an interview shortly after the transfer, the midfielder named his national team captain as his role model.

”I have quite a few [people I look up to] but I will say Andre Ayew [tops them all]. When I was growing up I looked up to him. Most of the time, he motivated me as well,” Kudus told Ajax TV in a Q&A session.

Injury to the youngster has prevented the duo from linking up again on international duty, but having just resumed training after three months of injury setbacks, the two players could be set for a reunion when Ghana re-assemble in March next year for their next international assignments.

Kudus, though, is not the only Black Stars player celebrating the national team captain.

"Happy earth day to you Jnr maestro your world is completely full of happiness and enjoy. May it continue forever. May Allah bless your new age. Enjoy. Ayew Andre," China-based Mubarak Wakaso also posted.

Columbus Crew defender Jonathan Mensah, who recently won the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup tweeted: "Happy birthday maestro, AyewAndre. Enjoy your day and God bless."

Ayew previously played for West Ham United, Turkish side Fenerbahce and French clubs Olympique Marseille, Lorient and Arles-Avignon. 

Jurgen Klopp has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach for the second time, with the Liverpool boss beating Hansi Flick and Marcelo Bielsa to the prestigious award.

Klopp received the most votes from fans, journalists, national team coaches and captains after leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years.

He was awarded the accolade on Thursday night, with pre-ceremony favourite Flick ultimately missing out despite masterminding Bayern Munich's run to Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup glory last term.

Klopp also edged out Bielsa, who guided Leeds United back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, and he was surprised to pick up the gong for a second consecutive year having also delivered a European Cup at Anfield in 2019.

"I am [shocked]. I was sitting here because I thought last year I won it. I am here with my players. Thank you very much, wow," the German tactician said after receiving the prize.

"I have so many people to thank and most of all my coaches. If I had known we'd won it my coaches would be here with me. What we did in the last year is all about these boys.

"We didn't dream 30 years but we dream already for a few years. It was absolutely exceptional and we all had a special year in an unfortunately not so positive way but for Liverpool fans at least we could make some highlights in a tricky period. I had no idea how it would feel and it felt absolutely overwhelming."

Liverpool won the Premier League with a record-breaking seven games left to spare last season, and only fell one point short of Manchester City's all-time points record (100).

Klopp's side did equal City's mark of 18 successive top-flight wins though, while setting a new record for the best-ever start to a campaign by racking up 61 points from their first 21 fixtures.

The Reds' defence of the Champions League trophy ended in the round of 16 at the hands of Atletico Madrid, but that did little to detract from another outstanding year which saw the Merseyside outfit re-emerge as the dominant force in English football.

Liverpool have been handed an injury boost with Thiago Alcantara edging closer to his long-awaited return to action.

The Spaniard was pictured at the Reds’ training complex at Kirkby on Thursday, completing an outdoor rehabilitation session with the club’s fitness coach David Rydings.

Thiago has not featured since suffering a knee injury in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Everton on October 18 – his first Premier League start for the club.

And while he still has some way to go before he is considered for selection – manager Jurgen Klopp has already said the club will be ultra-careful when managing his return - fans will be encouraged at the sight of the 29-year-old stepping up his recovery.

There was another boost for Klopp with the sight of Joel Matip back in training, having missed Wednesday’s vital 2-1 win over Tottenham with a back issue.

The Cameroon international was substituted at half-time of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Fulham last Sunday, and was not deemed fit enough for the visit of Spurs, with teenager Rhys Williams deputising impressively on his league debut.

But Matip was pictured in full training on Thursday, alongside a number of youngsters and other players who didn’t feature against Tottenham, including midfield duo Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom are working their way back to full fitness after injury issues of their own.

Liverpool are in action this Saturday, taking on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the lunchtime kick-off.

They will be without Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas, both of whom are set to be missing until at least late-January with knee issues, while James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri are yet to resume training after muscle problems. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are long-term absentees.

The Reds head into the weekend top of the Premier League after Roberto Firmino’s late winner against Spurs, and can ensure they stay there for Christmas by avoiding defeat against Roy Hodgson’s Palace.

And they go into the game boosted by the news that Klopp, for the second year in a row, has been named FIFA Best Men’s Coach.

The German saw off competition from Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick and Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa to land the award.

"I am [shocked],” he said. “I was sitting here because I thought last year I won it. I am here with my players. Thank you very much, wow.

"I have so many people to thank and most of all my coaches. If I had known we'd won it my coaches would be here with me. What we did in the last year is all about these boys.

"We didn't dream 30 years but we dream already for a few years. It was absolutely exceptional and we all had a special year, in an unfortunately not so positive way, but for Liverpool fans at least we could make some highlights in a tricky period.

“I had no idea how it would feel and it felt absolutely overwhelming."

Asante Kotoko suffered a shock defeat in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Thursday as they were beaten 1-0 by Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Michael Yeboah's second-half effort condemned the 23-time champions to their first defeat of the season in the outstanding matchday three fixture.

The result has dropped the Porcupine Warriors a place down on the league table from ninth to 10th, while the opposition takes a giant leap from 14th to 5th.

In their first of four matches in the coming 10 days, Kotoko coach Maxwell Konadu made two changes to their starting line-up, bringing on Abdul Latif Anabila and William Opoku Mensah.

New Brazilian signing Fabio Gama Dos Santos was once again not named in the matchday squad.

In the end, Yeboah emerged hero of the day as he headed home Abdul Manaf's cross in the 54th minute to decide the fixture.

The defeat was not Kotoko's only worry from the fixture. Former Atalanta left-back, on his second appearance for his new club after a recent transfer, was substituted 10 minutes to half-time after picking up an injury.

The full-backs situation is a major headache for the Porcupine Warriors as they are set to take on Dreams FC on Sunday and Sudanese side Al-Hilal in the Caf Champions League next week.

The game was played in Accra as the Kumasi-based fold are having to take time away from the traditional Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to ongoing renovation works.

So far this season, Kotoko have won one (a 1-0 win over Legon Cites) of four Premier League games, drawing two (1-1 with Eleven Wonders on matchday one and 1-1 against Berekum Chelsea) and losing one.

The club has set their sights on winning the top-flight for a record 24th time and their first since beating Heart of Lions to the title in 2014.

Olympics, on the other hand have won their second game of the season, their first three points coming courtesy of a 3-0 home triumph over Legon Cities. Their performance statistics include one draw (1-1 against Medeama) and one defeat (2-0 loss to Liberty Professionals).

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Alex Iwobi is showing confidence following his impressive form.

The Nigeria international provided an assist as the Toffees secured victory over Leicester City in Wednesday’s Premier League game.

The 24-year-old has also featured in a wingback role for the Goodison Park outfit after some of their players suffered injuries.

The contribution of the Super Eagles forward ensured the Toffees’ current fifth position on the Premier League table.

Ancelotti has praised the former Arsenal star and believes he is regaining his confidence with his performance against the Foxes.

“It’s his [Iwobi's] best moment since I arrived [at Everton],” Ancelotti told the Everton website.

“He is showing confidence, is really good in one-versus-one situations and he is working hard. The key is to work hard – the team is working hard.

“I said to the players that we have to be satisfied but we have to work and we have to improve.”

Iwobi has featured in more than four games since he left his boyhood club Arsenal for life at Goodison Park.

The versatile forward has scored one goal and provided three assists in 14 appearances for Everton in the current campaign.

Iwobi will hope to continue his recently-found form when Everton take on his former club Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League game.

The forward remains a key member of the Super Eagles and has featured in 44 games for the three-time African champions.

Iwobi is part of Nigeria team that is aiming to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The forward will be expected to continue his fine showings for both club and country in the 2020-21 season.

Robert Lewandowski has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2020, with the Bayern Munich star beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the coveted prize.

The Poland forward was without equal in the 2019-20 season, scoring 55 goals in 47 appearances as Bayern swept to a Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal treble – with Lewandowski the top scorer in all three competitions.

The 32-year-old has continued his stunning form into the new season and, on Wednesday, scored his 250th goal in the Bundesliga to help Bayern to an important win.

Lewandowski was the firm favourite to scoop the prize in a year in which the Ballon d’Or was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .

"I feel fantastic," Lewandowski said. "I am very proud and happy to be honest, this is a great day for me, and also for my club and colleagues. This award also belongs to my colleagues, the coach and Bayern Munich in general. It is an incredible feeling, a lot of emotions.

"If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me. A long time ago, I remember I was longing for something like this and now I can win such an award. This really means, regardless of where you come form, all that matters is what you put into it."

Lucy Bronze was named The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year. Bronze returned home to England with Manchester City this year after starring for Lyon last season.

Bronze won four trophies with the French side last season and will be hoping to help take City to the next level and challenge for the Champions League. She beat former Lyon team-mate Wendie Renard and Chelsea's world-record signing Pernille Harder to win the award for the first time.

It was a successful night for Bayern aside from Lewandowski, with Manuel Neuer named The Best Men’s Goalkeeper ahead of Liverpool keeper Alisson and Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.

Sarah Bouhaddi was named the Best Women’s Goalkeeper after helping French giants Lyon to a Division 1, Champions League and Coupe de France treble. Bouhaddi beat Christiane Endler of PSG and Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars to the title.

Jurgen Klopp won The Best Men's Coach award for the second year running after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title, beating Bayern's Hansi Flick and Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Sarina Wiegman, the Netherlands head coach who is due to replace Phil Neville as manager of England Women , was named the Best Women’s Coach, edging out Chelsea’s Emma Hayes and Lyon’s Jean-Luc Vasseur.

Son Heung-min won the Puskas Award for his incredible individual goal for Tottenham against Burnley, with the South Korea star winning the vote ahead of goals from Uruguayan pair Luis Suarez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta.

Son described the feeling of scoring his goal: "Great, great! It was so nice - when I got the ball, I tried to pass, received it in my own box, couldn't find any option and started to dribble, and after two seconds was in front of the goal - it was such a surprise, such a beautiful goal.

"They (my team-mates) should give me more options... I am joking! I made a great run, great goal, so I am grateful for my team-mates as well.

"After I scored, I didn't realise it was that amazing - after the game, I watched it again, and was thinking, 'Wow, this is something special'."

Tusker head coach Robert Matano has claimed they are not excited about the Gor Mahia win and their focus is now on the next Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Vihiga United.

Although Matano stated they are happy and not excited by the second consecutive win, he added the players faced Gor Mahia like a cohesive unit unlike how they performed in the previous games.

“I am happy because we played well especially after starting badly,” Matano stated on the club’s Facebook page.

“We lost to AFC Leopards because of a lack of cohesiveness and preparedness in the team but now we have trained around two to three weeks and I can see the cohesion and players understand one another.

“I knew they will do something because they have been finishing chances in training. Henry Meja and David Majak have been so good and given that they are still young, they have a long way to go and have a good future awaiting them.

“We are happy but not excited as we focus on the next match on Sunday, where we hope to play the same way and win.”

Meja, who scored the winner against K’Ogalo hoped the goal will be the beginning of a good future as he targets double-digits.

“I am very happy because I have been looking for goals and I got one finally. I hope the goal against Gor Mahia will open the door for many more,” Meja, who came on in the second half, told the club’s website.

“I will work hard and hope I score even in the next games. Since I joined Tusker, life has been good because the coach has been an encouraging figure. My brother has also done a good job because he is always pushing me to work even harder especially during workouts.

“I had set a target of 15 goals but the coach had set a target of 10 so I added five on the coach’s target.”

After facing Vihiga United on December 20, the Brewers will be up against Sofapaka on January 1, 2021, before facing Bandari two weeks later.

Former Kenyan striker Ronald Okoth has explained how disappointed he is following John Baraza’s exit from FKF Premier League side Sofapaka.

Baraza left the club after a poor start that saw them just pick a win and two losses in the league and his place was temporarily filled by Mike Mururi who was his assistant before Ken Odhiambo was appointed.

Okoth, who played for Sofapaka under a number of coaches, further pointed out that the players are to blame to a large extent for letting the coaches down. The changes also saw physical trainer Diallo Kwasi and assistant coach Martin Ndagano relegated to the junior side.

“Gutted to hear my former manager and our legend of the game, someone I’ve had the privilege to work for, coach Barry [John Baraza] together with coach Ndagano and Dialo stepped aside from their first team duties,” Okoth said in a Facebook post.

“Having worked under these gentlemen and seen how dedicated and committed they are to their jobs, I’m extremely sad indeed and hoping to see them back. I’m sure without a doubt the players feel they’ve let a good manager and his technical team down.”

The former Gor Mahia striker recalled how the late Henry Omino at one time begged with the playing unit to end the poor run in order to save his job.

“I remember at Western Stima at one time our manager then, the late coach Omino’s job was hanging in the line after we had a series of poor runs and can’t forget the way he pleaded with us to literary save his job,” the KPL winner added.

“We knew well we would never ever get a proper and understanding manager than him if things went down south because of us. We actually fought hard in every match and did it for him by turning things around.

“I do recall before the referee could blow the kick-off whistle in every match we would remind ourselves to ‘do this for the coach’.

“Never felt so proud in this cruel football business where club owners want results, players get all the credit for the win and managers take all the blame for the loss.

“We knew we had the responsibility and return the same trust our manager had in us in the first place to even sign us.”

Batoto ba Mungu moved on to confirm Odhiambo as the new coach after Baraza's exit, ahead of their match against Kariobangi Sharks.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski were named in the attack for the 2020 FIFA FIFPro Men's World XI, but Manuel Neuer missed out after the final vote.

Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski were all finalists for The Best FIFA Men's Player award and so were unsurprisingly included in the FIFPro Men's World XI in Zurich on Thursday night.

Barcelona's captain enjoyed another superb individual season at Camp Nou, while his long-time rival helped Juve win a ninth successive Serie A crown and Bayern Munich's star striker inspired Hansi Flick's side to Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup glory.

The chief shock elsewhere in the team saw Liverpool No.1 Alisson preferred in goal to Manuel Neuer, with the Brazilian having played a key role in the Merseyside outfit's run to a first league title in 30 years.

Neuer, who captained Bayern to the treble, had earlier been named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper, beating Alisson and Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak to the award.

The Germany skipper had said: "It's one of the best years of my career, of course. We were so confident with our team and it's amazing what we have done in this year, 2020, especially in the summer when we played together in Lisbon [in the Champions League]."

In a team voted for by the players, Alisson was joined by Liverpool team-mates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara.

Thiago spent the majority of the year with Bayern, who were represented by Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich as well as Lewandowski.

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne completed the line-up, with the former having helped the Blancos win a record-extending 34th La Liga title and the latter adding a third consecutive Carabao Cup winners' medal to his silverware collection.

FIFA FIFPro Men's World XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Kevin De Bruyne, Thiago Alcantara; Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Olanrewaju Kayode found the back of the net to help Sivasspor secure a 1-0 victory against Giresunspor in Thursday’s Turkish League Cup tie.

The forward teamed up with the Braves on a season-long loan in the summer from Russian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Nigeria international has been delivering spectacular performances and registered four goals in the Europa League for the side.

The attacker was handed his 13th appearances this season and made the most of the opportunity to score his fifth goal of the season.

The game started on a high tempo with both sides aiming to get an early goal but despite their efforts, the encounter ended 0-0 at the end of half time.

In an effort to turn around the game in his favour, Sivasspor manager Rıza Calimbay introduced Kayode moments before the hour mark for Kerem Kesgin.

The 27-year-old made his impact felt when he scored the only goal that made the difference in the encounter.

The Super Eagles attacker fired home a fine effort in the 90th minute past goalkeeper Goktan Corut to ensure his side clinched all three points.

Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone was also on parade for the duration of the game but could not get on the scoresheet.

Kone’s compatriot Max-Alain Gradel played for 44 minutes after he was brought on for Ziya Erdal and gave a good account of himself in the encounter.

Ivorian Abdou Razack Traore was on parade for Giresunspor and played for the entirety of the game while Nigerian midfielder Anthony Uzodimma featured for 62 minutes before he was replaced by Erol Akdag.

Kayode will be expected to continue his impressive performances when Sivasspor take on Konyaspor in their next league game on December 21.

The forward has four caps for the Nigeria national team and will hope his current form will help him return to the Super Eagles fold in their next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says he has done his homework on Sagrada Esperanca ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup encounter. 

Esperanca are set to host the Buccaneers in the first round first-leg match in Angola on December 22. 

The Angolan club advanced to this stage after their preliminary round opponents Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini withdrew from the competition due to financial reasons.

Zinnbauer revealed that they have footage of Esperanca in action and he has since come up with a game plan. 

“We have information about the team and we know what we have to do against them‚” Zinnbauer told the media. 

“It is not going to be an easy game for us because away games are always difficult on the continent.

"The opponent is not so bad and they look good because I have watched them together with the other coaches when we were analysing them.”

Pirates maintained their unbeaten record this season by securing a 1-0 win over Chippa United in a PSL match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was the Buccaneers' last league match of the year and Zinnbauer said they can now focus on their continental encounter with Esperanca. 

“We have the information that we need. The focus was on the match against Chippa," the German mentor added. 

"And from Thursday we start with preparations for our next game against them [Esperanca].”

Established in 1976, Esperanca are no strangers to continental football having participated in the Caf Champions League twice in 2005 and 2006. 

However, they will be making their debut appearance in the Confederation Cup.

The Dundo-based side took part in the old Caf Cup and Caf Cup Winners' Cup, but the tournaments have since merged to form the Confederation Cup in 2004.

Avaldsnes forward Rasheedat Ajibade has been named in the Norwegian Toppserien Team of the Season for the 2019-20 campaign.

Ajibade has emerged as one of the top performers in the top-flight, deservedly for her strength, power, and physicality along with her goalscoring form for Avaldsnes in her second season in Norway.

The Nigeria international played a huge role in helping Thomas Dahle's side to the bronze medal as their best league placement since 2017, with 34 points from 18 matches in the 2020 season.

In what could be described as her breakthrough season, the FC Robo product scored seven goals and some assists in 18 outings but they missed out on the title and a Champions League spot. 

The 3-4-3 formation, saw Arna-Bjornar's Teagan Micah is in the position of goalkeeper, while Lillestrom's Emilie Marie Woldvik, Valerenga's Ingibjorg Sigurdardottir and Klepp's Rebekka Hansen was named in the defence.

Lillestrom's Emilie Haavi, Sandviken's Lisa Naalsund, Valerenga's Sherida Spitse and Ajibade were in midfield, while Rosenborg duo of Cesilie Andreassen and Julie Blakstad led the attack with Lyn's Camilla Linberg.

Ajibade was the only African and Avaldsnes player to make the list, with Cameroon's Ajara Nchout a notable omission despite helping Valerenga to the domestic double and bagging the Golden Boot with 10 goals.

The inclusion of the Super Falcons star came as no surprise after the Avaldsnes forward had appeared in the 2020 Toppserien Team of the Week on eight occasions during the league season. 

Having seen out her two-year contract at Avaldsnes Idrettssenter, Ajibade, who scored 12 goals during her two-seasons outing has bid the club farewell after their recent 4-0 defeat at Sandvikens.

As a free agent, the striker, who recently turned 21 is likely to decide over her future in the coming days with pouring offers from Europe.

To celebrate her Team of the Season inclusion, she took to social media to share her excitement while lauding everyone at Avaldsnes for their support.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has explained the impact of Eberechi Eze on his productivity for the club.

The Nigerian midfielder teamed up with the Eagles in the summer from Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

The midfielder has been making a telling impact for Roy Hodgson’s men since his arrival, scoring one goal and providing two assists, amid other dazzling displays.

Zaha has been in scintillating form for the Selhurst Park outfit in the current campaign, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in only 11 Premier League games.

The Ivory Coast international has revealed how the Anglo-Nigerian has been helping him make a more significant contribution to Palace.

“100% [he helps my game]. I’m not having to drop deep and dribble as much,” Zaha told Premier League Productions.

“I’ve taken that role of playing up-front now, so I don’t have to dribble as much and I just get into the right positions. So him being a dribbler helps me.”

Zaha has also advised the 22-year-old on areas to improve on his game in order to reach the peak of his career.

“I speak to him all the time – the way he plays and his dribbling is like looking at myself when I was younger," he continued. 

“When we’re on the pitch I always tell him: ‘Efficiency. Everything else doesn’t matter. You’re good enough to do these things, you’re good enough to go past players, you’re good enough to dribble past players. All you need is efficiency.’ And it seems like he’s taking it in.

“I’ve just taken a lot of the unnecessary stuff out of my game. I don’t dribble as much. If I’ve done a skill and I look up and there’s an opportunity to shoot, I’ll take the shot.

“I’m just very narrow-minded now, it’s like tunnel vision. I know what I have to do when I get out on the pitch and I try to cut out a load of other things.”

Zaha remains an influential figure for Crystal Palace and his fine performances have helped the club avoid relegation in the past.

Asante Kotoko head coach Maxwell Konadu believes Thursday's shocking defeat to Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) provides his club with valuable lessons.

In their fourth match of the season, the Porcupine Warriors were undone by a Michael Yeboah strike in the 54th minute of the fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Kumasi-based side has consequently dropped down by one spot to the 10th position

"It was a difficult game. The first half we didn’t look good but we came into the second half and started doing the basic things," Konadu said at the post-match press conference.

“We have taken lessons from this and will work on them.

“Some of the new players are only beginning to settle in. They will get better because they know the demands of the supporters and will respond accordingly.”

Once again, Kotoko had to do without new Brazilian acquisition Fabio Gama Dos Santos at the Accra Sports Stadium where the club are temporarily playing their home matches due to ongoing renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The 28-year-old sealed a two-year move to the Porcupine Warriors in October but is as yet to make his debut two months on.

Also missing for Kotoko on Thursday was Guinean striker Naby Laye Keita.

"We're still waiting for their documentation. They are foreigners and we will need their documents to be ready before we can use them,” Konadu explained the duo's absence.

While Kotoko slipped down the table, Olympics paradoxically moved up, taking a big jump from 14th spot to fifth position.

“I was surprised with Asante Kotoko’s poor performance. I mean a team playing in the Caf Champions League should be playing very well in the local league,” Olympics coach Annor Walker said on Kotoko's performance during his post-match interview.

Kotoko are set to face Dreams FC in their next game on Sunday before switching their attention to the Caf Champions League where they take on Al Hilal of Sudan in the first round of the competition.

The Porcupines Warriors, 23-time Ghana Premier League champions, are the most successful club in the history of the top-flight. 

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said Leon Balogun will be assessed after he was left dizzy in their 3-2 loss to St Mirren in a Scottish League Cup quarter-final fixture.

During a challenge with Jonathan Obika in the closing stages of Wednesday’s match, Balogun took a blow to his head and he was replaced immediately in the 84th minute.

Tthe 32-year-old defender - who has played 16 matches this season - could not continue the match with the severity of the injury yet to be confirmed.

While he awaits medical report about the Nigeria international, Gerrard hinted Sweden defender Filip Helander might be called upon to fill Balogun's place if he is not passed fit for Saturday’s Premiership encounter against Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium.

"He’s a bit dizzy. So we will analyse him over the next couple of days and take advice from the medical staff," Gerrard was quoted by Glasgow Times.

"Hopefully he can pull through. If not, we have Fil available again."

Balogun moved to Scotland on a free transfer in the summer, after the expiry of his loan stint with Wigan Athletic in the Championship.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender has made himself a key fixture in Gerrard’s squad with his dominant defensive displays since his arrival at Ibrox Stadium.

They currently remain unbeaten in the Premiership this campaign and Wednesday’s result was their first defeat of the season, ending an unbeaten run of 26 games across all competitions.

Rangers will hope to bounce back to winning ways against Motherwell on Saturday and also end the year on a high with games against St Johnstone, Hibernian and St Mirren still to come before Celtic visit on January 2.

Wayne Rooney's son Kai has signed for Manchester United at the age of just 11 with his famous father proud to see his offspring make an important first step towards becoming a footballer.

Rooney established himself as a United legend during his 13-year stay at Old Trafford. The ex-England international played over 500 games for the Red Devils, scoring 253 goals.

That tally saw him become the club's all-time top scorer, and he also managed to win 16 trophies in Manchester, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Kai has now taken the first steps on the road to following in his father's illustrious footsteps, putting pen to paper on a youth-team contract.

Rooney posted an image of himself standing over the 11-year-old as he signed the deal next to his wife Coleen on social media, with his famous old number 10 shirt laying on the desk.

The Derby County player-coach included the following caption: "Proud day. Kai signing for Man Utd. Keep up the hard work son."

Kai is Wayne and Coleen's firstborn son, with the couple sharing three more boys: Klay (7), Kit (4) and Cass (2).

Rooney took some time off from his duties at Derby to return to Manchester and take in a landmark moment with his family, having overseen the Rams 2-0 home win over Swansea in the Championship on Wednesday night.

The 35-year-old is seeking to land the top job at Pride Park on a permanent basis after Phillip Cocu's sacking in November, having initially made his way to the club from MLS outfit D.C. United in January.

Rooney spent two seasons in the United States after leaving boyhood club Everton in 2018, which is where he wrapped up his Premier League career after being sold by United a year earlier.

The Red Devils great played down his achievements at Old Trafford in an interview with the UTD podcast last month, insisting he doesn't feel like the club's greatest goalscorer of all-time.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he had more time here, he would have gone on to get the United record," Rooney said. "Obviously it is great and I am really proud to have those records, but it is not something I look at.

"It says ‘Man United’s greatest goalscorer’ but I wouldn’t say I am Man United’s greatest goalscorer.”

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi says the Buccaneers can end Mamelodi Sundowns’ Premier Soccer League (PSL) title dominance if coach Josef Zinnbauer stops shuffling his squad regularly.

Since the 2011/12 season, Pirates have not been crowned PSL champions and have been runners-up in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns.

Vilakazi feels that Zinnbauer has the right playing material at his disposal but consistency in the selection of his squad will deliver him the title.

“They have a good team [although] I am not sure because if the coach keeps on changing his team. But they have a good team to challenge for the league title,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

“My worry is the coach. If he tries to be consistent with his team, then I’m telling you they can challenge Sundowns with they players they have right now. The players who won the MTN8 final can challenge Sundowns.

“Any team that will play Pirates will know that Pirates are there and really want to compete for the league title because they have good players. It’s only for the coach to get the right combination. So I hope he learnt from the MTN8, that with his technical team, be consistent and you will get the results.”

On Wednesday, Zinnbauer left out co-captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thabiso Monyane was handed his first start of the season on his return from injury.

While the absence of Hlatshwayo was expected to afford captain Happy Jele a chance to play, Innocent Maela was moved to centre-back position, with Paseka Mako deployed as a left-back.

Since Mhango returned from injury, his playing time has not been consistent.

He was introduced in the second half in the 1-1 draw against Baroka FC and the 2-2 draw away at Cape Town City, before being an unused substitute when Pirates beat Bloemfontein Celtic to claim the MTN8 trophy last weekend.

One player who has been featuring regularly is midfielder Fortune Makaringe and Vilakazi has tips for the former Maritzburg United man.

“There is one thing I am impressed with. That is how they scored their goal. The ball came from [Nkanyiso] Zungu who passed to [Terrence] Dzvukamanja and then to [Linda] Mntambo. All these guys came on as substitutes. And then that run by Makaringe. This is what I expect Makaringe as a midfielder because you are playing with one striker," said Vilakazi.

“So go and compliment him. If the striker makes a run to the right, he is creating that hole for you as an attacking midfielder to use that space. That is his job as a midfielder to help the strikers. The boy has that eye.

“Makaringe is lucky that he has partners like Lepasa and Motswari who is covering him at the back. His worry should be on how to compliment Lepasa and create chances for him as well as scoring himself.”

Pirates now prepare to travel to Angola for a Caf Confederation Cup first round, first leg against Sagrada Esperanca next Tuesday.

Manchester United are “definitely not contenders” for the Premier League title, says Andy Cole, with the Red Devils considered to still be “a few years away from realistically competing”.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that, in a congested battle for front-running spots this season, his side could mount a challenge for the ultimate prize.

The Norwegian has said, heading into the hectic festive fixture list: “This period is going to be vital and it’ll be easier for me to answer around that time – I’d be disappointed if the players didn’t think we can put a challenge up.

“At the moment, anything goes in the league. There’s different reasons for different results. I feel we’re getting better but we have to improve quite a bit to take that next step as well.”

Cole, meanwhile, who captured five crowns during his six-year spell at Old Trafford, is not convinced that United can find the consistency required to finish at the summit.

The former Red Devils frontman told The Target Men Podcast, with Solskjaer needing to make Champions League qualification his top priority: “Manchester United are definitely not contenders for winning the Premier League this season.

“I still think the club are a few years away from realistically competing to win the Premier League.

“I think the priority for Manchester United at the moment is to qualify for the Champions League and to hope to have a good cup run in a domestic competition.

“The pressure really is on for Manchester United to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League on a consistent basis again, which is maybe hard to say after the years of success with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Qualifying for the Champions League has to become the norm and the minimal expectation again before the club can move forwards.

“The best players want to play in the Champions League and without that consistency, there’s not enough clarity to build a squad signing the best players and keeping the best players.

“It’s been one step forwards and two steps back in recent years.”