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Gor Mahia have confirmed coach Roberto Oliveira has been allowed to return home after having problems with his coaching qualification papers.

Goal can exclusively reveal the former Rayon Sports of Rwanda tactician left for his native Brazil early this week and will not come back.

K’Ogalo secretary general Sam Ochola has confirmed to Goal indeed the coach has already left for home and they are now in the market for a new coach to handle the team.

“The coach left early this week, right now we are still looking for a replacement because there is no use of having a coach who has no papers,” Ochola told Goal on Saturday.

“We have to save money for Gor Mahia and we cannot keep on having a foreign coach who does not have papers trying to coach the club, so we have told him to go home and when he gets his papers he can come back, but for now we are trying to engage Sammy ’Pamzo’ Omollo until things are sorted out.”

Asked whether they are working to engage Omollo for continental assignment only or on a full-time basis, Ochola said: “We are talking to him [Pamzo], to help us in continental and we are also seeking to have him on a full-time basis.”

The 60-year-old tactician arrived at the Kenyan champions on October 10, replacing Steven Polack, who had left the club on mutual agreement.

However, despite preparing the team in readiness for Caf Champions League and the resumption of the FKF Premier League, Oliveira, who has 25 years of coaching experience and has been to a number of African countries as head coach, even in the Middle East as well as Brazil, was banned by Caf from sitting on the touchline over his qualifications.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also moved to ban the coach from handling the team in the top-flight and it forced Gor Mahia to hire Omollo of Posta Rangers, and he was in charge as they beat APR of Rwanda 4-3 on aggregate to advance to the second preliminary round of the Champions League.

Oliveira was on record to have defended himself over the allegations by stating: “Listen I don’t talk this about this story, but I prefer to talk about my players and my preparations and because two years or three years ago, I work in the Champions League with Rayon Sports in Rwanda," Oliveira told reporters after the team’s friendly against Posta Rangers.

"I qualified Stade Tunisien of Tunisia for Confederation Cup, okay I know sometimes in football it has more problems, but it is not a big problem.

“Because I have experience as an ex-player in the national team and also as a coach in 25 years and the last time here [in Nairobi with Rayon Sports], against Gor Mahia, I think everybody remembers very well about this game, and me too, because strong Gor Mahia was a strong team and we beat them 2-1.”

Gor Mahia will now face CR Belouizdad of Algeria in the second round of the competition with the first leg set to be played on December 22 or 23 in Algeria, and the return leg planned for January 5 or 6, 2021 in Nairobi.

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland “would be a great fit at Liverpool”, says John Barnes, but the Reds legend has warned that a move for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala “wouldn’t make any sense”.

The Reds moved to further bolster their attacking ranks over the summer when luring Diogo Jota away from Wolves.

The versatile Portuguese has made an immediate impact at Anfield and is capable of filling roles out wide or down the middle for Jurgen Klopp – allowing him to complement or cover the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Jota has, however, spent much of his career to date operating from the flanks and there have been calls for Liverpool to bring in another No.9 to compete with Brazil international Firmino.

It has been suggested that the likes of Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe could come into Klopp’s thoughts during future transfer windows, with Barnes very much in favour of a raid on Dortmund for a proven goalscorer.

The Reds legend told BonusCodeBets: “Erling Haaland would be a great fit at Liverpool if he was to join the club.

“He’s strong, aggressive, very good technically as well as being direct in the way he plays, I’ve not doubt he would be the perfect addition to the way that Liverpool play. 

“His quality is there without question, and for someone of his age to score as many goals as he has done has been so impressive. 

“Dortmund are a team that score a lot of goals similarly to Liverpool, so it is a natural fit for him to make this kind of step up.

“However, if you look at the way Arsenal or Manchester City play their football, you wouldn’t think he would fit, but Liverpool would be great for him.”   

While talking up a move for a Norwegian frontman thriving in the Bundesliga, Barnes is not convinced that Liverpool should be joining the chase for Argentina international Dybala if he opts against signing a new contract and heads for the exits in Turin.

“With Liverpool recently bringing in Diogo Jota it wouldn’t make any sense for Liverpool to try and bring a player in like Paulo Dybala, especially considering that Jota is playing so well,” Barnes added.

“We talk about the front three and Jota, which is enough players in attacking options already. If you then look further back into the midfield three, he wouldn’t really fit there either. 

“I can’t see a move for him happening at all. He’s not what Liverpool need right now; they are fine in that area of the pitch.” 

If events in the last three Bundesliga matchdays are to be believed, Taiwo Awoniyi may very well be fitting to run riot in the German top flight.

The transition to professional football has been an unforgiving one for the 23-year-old. On the back of leading Nigeria to victory at the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, and starring two years later at Under-20 level, Awoniyi signed for Liverpool in 2015 with the world seemingly at his feet.

However, since then he has struggled for any sort of relevance at the club’s Melwood training ground. Instead, he has been palmed off on sundry loans all over Europe.

The success of that strategy has been modest: unable to properly put down roots, it has often been the case that Awoniyi has found his feet (and his form) too late during his loan spells to truly force the issue and convince anyone to stump up the cash required to extricate him from his contract with Liverpool.

Combine this with his inability to get a work permit, and his prospects in England have not been great either. He revealed recently that he discussed a departure with the Anfield hierarchy, and was somewhat disappointed at the idea of yet another year in a holding pattern. This time, his destination was capital club Union Berlin, who ended 2019/20 in an impressive 11th place following promotion to the Bundesliga at the beginning of the season.

Considering Awoniyi had toiled fruitlessly with a hapless Mainz in the same campaign, he could have been forgiven for being down on a return to Germany. Instead, the Nigeria international appears to have found his feet quicker than usual, and is now into a healthy rhythm in front of goal to boot.

Admittedly, some of that owed to the misfortune of injuries to both Joel Pohjanpalo and compatriot Anthony Ujah, which depleted Union’s striking options for the season.

However, after easing his way in via cameos in the first couple of matchdays, Awoniyi has picked up the slack for the overachievers, scoring twice and winning a penalty over the course of the last three matches.

Key to his good form has been a good relationship with manager Urs Fischer, with whom Awoniyi conversed before agreeing on a move to Berlin.

He has credited the 45-year-old Swiss tactician with providing him the right guidance, and likewise Fischer has placed a lot of faith in him by deploying him upfront, resisting the temptation to misuse Awoniyi out wide like Mainz did for portions of last season.

It is a simple alchemy, but it has been strikingly effective, and the centre-forward looks a player reborn. His finish in the derby against Hertha harkened back to his almost telepathic relationship with Kelechi Iheanacho at under-17 level, complete with a delicate through ball and a finish taken early to catch out the advancing goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow.

That derby reverse was only Union’s second defeat of the season, a game that clearly turned on a red card midway through the first half. Against all logic, Fischer’s side are just two points off the European places. It may be far-fetched to see them keeping this up, but if Awoniyi keeps putting them away, it may spark something close to magical.

It would also, justifiably, stir up debate as to his return to the international fold.

Despite having featured at every youth level for Nigeria, Awoniyi is yet to earn his bow for the Super Eagles. On account of the self-same instability that has plagued his club career, he has found himself completely shut out from the conversation altogether. Instead, the mantle skipped a generation: it is Victor Osimhen, who led the 2015 under-17 set, who now holds sway for the senior national team.

There is, however, a window of opportunity to be found in the paucity of options to deputize for the Napoli striker. Over the last two international breaks, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho have all taken turns at filling in. All three have underwhelmed, lacking the physicality and movement required to make a mark; Osimhen’s boots, it appears, are too big to fill.

Awoniyi would appear to be eminently suited, however. While his all-round game is perhaps not as comprehensive as Osimhen’s, he nevertheless works defenders with and without possession, is adept at running the channels to unbalance the opposition, and is calm in front of goal.

It is an intriguing proposition, but that is all it can be just now. If Awoniyi keeps scoring though, soon it might not seem quite so fanciful.

Ashique Kuruniyan has been deployed as a left-back by Carles Cuadrat this season and the Spaniard believes that the Kerala-born player has the potential to be the best in this position.

Nishu Kumar parted ways with Bengaluru FC in the summer and since, Kuruniyan, who is also known to play as a winger, has been asked to fill that role, a position in which he played sparingly last season.

“Ashique, when he plays as a winger, the pitch becomes too short. But when is playing from a little behind he has metres to run. He has been getting better and he is getting two-to-three opportunities in every game. I believe he can become a very good left-back,” opined Cuadrat.

Bengaluru FC are up against Kerala Blasters on Sunday evening in what promises to be an intriguing battle. Due to COVID-19, the Indian Super League (ISL) is being held in Goa closed doors and hence, fans will miss the chance to support their teams in person.

“Blasters need the points. They have just two (points). We have a plan and we will try to get three points. I’m feeling sorry for the fans. They enjoy this kind of matches. I am sure it will be a game of passion,” said the Bengaluru boss.

The Blues have scored five goals in four matches with Juanan Gonzalez leading the charge with two goals. Cuadrat highlighted that a shortened pre-season hasn’t allowed his team to gel as a squad given that there are a few new faces this time around.

He also mentioned that the Bangalore club haven’t had luck with their overseas strikers in the past, partly due to injuries.

“I think we are working well. We will be getting more points. We have six points but we could have eight or 10. We have to be mentally and physically strong. Some teams had more pre-season but they were not able to take three points. This is something we are working on and we will eventually get there.
 
“The team is carrying out all the plans on the pitch. We are improving every day. We played well against Chennai and week after week we are getting better. I am very happy with the strikers. In the last two seasons, we were missing foreign strikers for half of the season.

“Miku was out for nine games and Onwu for nine games as well in the previous season. But now we have to adjust. We have a plan B. To put in Sunil (Chhetri) in a number nine will not be apt as he will be able to give more to the team in a different position. We have got three number nine foreigners. They are getting ready game after game. Cleiton (Silva) has got good chances and they are getting close. Just because he is not getting the goals, he is getting criticised,” reasoned Cuadrat.

Critics haven’t been kind to Bengaluru FC this season and Cuadrat pointed that while a team like Hyderabad FC, who incidentally have the same number of points as them, have been praised, the yardsticks to measure a ‘good performance’ have been different for his side.

"It (what needs to improve) is always about little details. ATK gave away an easy penalty yesterday (against Hyderabad). But these details decide the game. Talking about foreign strikers, they are not winning duels. When they are going up against experienced defenders they are not winning duels. But in two weeks they will be able to win those. In defence also, when you arrive in 70-to-80 minute mark, you are physically down and you commit a mistake. We go with a match plan and most of the time it is working for us. 

(Apparently) Hyderabad is having a good season and we have the same points as them. If we win tomorrow's match we will be same with NorthEast on points,” he stated.

Cuadrat was once again questioned on the importance of set-pieces and the Bengaluru coach explained that his players are still adapting to a new system he has deployed. He reiterated that the new players in the squad would need more time to get accustomed to his style of play.

“It is a game of topics. People say that we only live for set-pieces. That we are missing some players and we are not the same team. (But) We have been working well in all the seasons.  It was very clear that we are starting a new system. My idea was to give opportunities to Ashique and Udanta (Singh) and give advantage to the strikers by utilising the crosses.

“It was not working well for us at the moment but it can work well in the future. We have a plan b and plan c. We came back to a 4-3-3. It helped us to get more offensive. I am very happy. As  a coach and players, we have to take pressure and we can take the criticisms. To answer every conference about set-pieces is very funny.

“I am very proud of the players. Give 20 minutes a week and get the result. We are creating chances. We had 21 shots in the previous game. It will take some time to understand each other as we have new players. We are one of the favourites, we are happy with that but we are not happy with the topics. Football needs time.”
 

SC Villa coach Edward Kaziba has called for a cautious approach when they take on Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) in a Ugandan Premier League (UPL) match on Saturday.

The Jogoos will host the Taxmen at the Arena of Visions in Bombo for their third match of the 2020-21 campaign and coach Kaziba has reminded his players how difficult their opponents proved to be during the reverse fixture last season.

“Last season, URA gave us a hard time,” Kaziba told the club’s official website. “When we hosted them we got the equaliser deep in injury time in order to get at least a point from the game, away to them we lost but as I have always emphasised in my previous pre-match briefings, this is a new season.

“My technical team and I are using a new approach in order to achieve greater things.”

On whether they have injury concerns heading to the clash, Kaziba explained: “All my players recovered very well from the Mbarara City game and have trained very well in preparation for this game.

“We do not have any fresh injury worries, Muhindo and Keni continue to be out for the same respective issues as the previous game.”

On the performance of his new signings so far in this campaign, Kaziba said: “As you can see, our new players improve with every game they feature for this team.

"Goffin is becoming a bigger threat on the wing, Ogwang has started scoring the goals, Ssekiganda is giving us playing diversity in the midfield, the goalkeeper Meddie [Kibirige] is also superb. I am expecting more from them and the whole team in this game.”

On what to expect from the game, Kaziba said: “We come into this game hoping to build on the matchday two win [against Mbarara City] in order to propel the results further in the right direction.

“The win from matchday two was a very vital result for the team in that it boosted the club’s confidence going into a challenging run of fixtures starting with this one.”

In their last outing, Villa beat Mbarara 3-0 with Isaac Ogwang, who was named the Man of the Match, notching a brace while Derrick Ndahiro added the other to give Jogoos their first win of the current campaign.

Kerala Blasters have two points to show after four matches in the current edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Kibu Vicuna’s team have impressed in phases but have struggled to get the job done.The Spanish coach was asked if he found the Kerala Blasters challenge tougher than what he expected.

“No, because you never know how we are going to start the season. I knew we have a tough challenge. I knew that this team hadn't qualified for the playoff for the last two (three) seasons,” said Vicuna.

It is believed that Vicuna could field both Gary Hooper and Jordan Murray against Bengaluru FC this Sunday as the club has struggled to get going offensively with just three goals to show in over 360 minutes.

“It is one of the questions we are thinking about - whether to use one or two strikers. It will depend on our starting XI of the game. We are trying different possibilities. We are trying to improve. We have to improve in the last third.

“We are working and hoping that in the next game, everything is going to be better. We didn't think we will get two points in four games but sometimes it happens,” said Vicuna.

Kerala Blasters suffered a 3-1 defeat to FC Goa in their last game and Vicuna was questioned on what was his message in the aftermath. 

“We were not happy with our performance. My message is that I believe in the team and have full confidence in the players and in the work we are doing.”

The former Mohun Bagan coach believes that while the Indian Super League (ISL) is making rapid strides forward, it’s difficult to compare it with the European leagues.

“ISL is stronger and better (now). It is a very even league, you can expect every result in every game. It is difficult to compare it with European leagues. The football culture in Spain is completely different,” he replied.

Kerala Blasters haven’t had much joy with Bengaluru FC in the past and Vicuna pointed that they have a good bunch of Indian players. He also said that Bengaluru FC are tactically fluid as they change their system often.

“They have very good Indian players, most of them are Internationals. They changed their formation in the last two games. They are good team, also trying to be better like us. It is going to be a big challenge. We are improving as well and in the process,” Vicuna pointed.

“We have to be brave and work better and hard. We have confidence, we know we have a good team and players,” he added.

Vicuna also updated that midfielder Sergio Cidoncha has already left for Spain to recuperate.

Simba SC have arrived in Mbeya on Friday minus five key players for their Mainland Premier League clash against Mbeya City on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi who are seeking to reduce the gap between them and table-toppers Young Africans (Yanga SC), are missing five players from their squad – Bernard Morrison, Ibrahim Ajibu, Miraji Athuman, Charles Ilanfya, and Larry Bwalya.

While Bwalya asked for permission to attend to family matters in Zambia, it is not clear why the other four players were left behind in Dar es Salaam for the league match to be played at Sokoine Stadium.

“We gave Lary [Bwalya] permission to attend to family matters in Zambia and it means he will not be available to face Mbeya City, he will only return when he sorts out the problems back home,” Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck told reporters on Friday.

Vandebroeck has already sent a warning to his players that they must win all their two matches in hand, so as to catch up with rivals Yanga, who are now on 34 points while Simba have 26.

Simba, who were out of league action last weekend as they took part in the Caf Champions League, returned to domestic football on Wednesday with a 2-0 win against Polisi Tanzania, with Zambian star Clatous Chama notching the two goals in the second half at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“At the moment, we need to concentrate on the obligation to stay in the race of the league because we are now two games behind Yanga and eight points behind them so we have to win all the games to stay on two points adrift while hoping that they will too drop points,” Vandenbroeck told reporters.

The Belgian further added he will continue to rotate his squad so as to keep the player fresh and fit for upcoming assignments.

“We have several matches coming, we are playing in the league, we are also playing in the Champions League so it will be good for me to keep rotating the squad so that we can have fit and fresh players to battle on all fronts,” Vandenbroeck continued.

In the reverse fixture, Simba beat Mbeya 2-0 with captain John Bocco notching a double.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Csaba Laszlo sounded a warning to his side ahead of their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match against NorthEast United FC. 

The Marina Machans have suffered back-to-back defeats after a positive start to the season. Laszlo feels his side needs to be careful against NorthEast United who are solid defensively while possessing the ability to score against any defence. 

NorthEast United have scored in every match so far, tallying seven goals in four games, and are unbeaten so far. 

"NorthEast had a good start (to the season). They are very stable and have good offensive players. They can score goals against every opponent," Laszlo said. "We must be prepared. We have our own style and strengths and we will put it to use against them."

The 56-year-old feels that his side needs to improve their defending from set-pieces. They have looked vulnerable from dead-ball situations and conceded two such goals against Mumbai City FC, resulting in a 2-1 loss despite dominating proceedings.

"We study our opponents closely. We try to understand what kind of free-kicks are going to come. We have players who are good in the air. We have to remain sharp, and fit and we can win against anybody."

The Hungarian is confident that Chennaiyin can improve and has been left impressed by the kind of football they have played so far. With a lot of matches left to be played, Laszlo feels there is no need to panic. 

"We are not in a panic situation. We played good football. But it is also about results. The players showed the best phase (with performances). The season is very long. I don't want to talk about where we will end. Against Mumbai, we were unhappy after the game and with a little luck, we can get better results."

Chennaiyin have been unlucky at times, having been at the receiving end of several controversial on-field decisions. Laszlo joined the growing call for a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in ISL if it is possible. 

"I am concentrating on my team before the next game. The standard (of officiating) will be better. I don't want to talk about referees. If it is possible to bring VAR, then I am all for it."

More hearteningly for Laszlo and Chennaiyin fans, influential midfielder Anirudh Thapa is set to return to the side for the NorthEast match, after missing out against Mumbai City last time out. He had suffered an injury in their 1-0 loss to Bengaluru FC. 

The condition of Isma Goncalves and Enes Sipovic, both of whom had to be taken out during the Mumbai game with injuries, is also better than first feared. 

"Thapa was more or less ready for the previous game. Now he is training fully. It looks good for Thapa. Isma will take 14 days. He is not so serious. Whereas, Sipovic will be out for seven days. Good that they will not miss many matches. The other players are doing a great job."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have come out to explain the reason they have moved their Mainland Premier League match set for next Saturday from Dar es Salaam to Arusha.

The Jangwani giants have three matches remaining to end round one of the 2020-21 campaign starting with Mwadui FC, Dodoma Jiji, and promoted side Ihefu FC.

While they are scheduled to take on Mwadui on Saturday at CCM Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga, the Timu ya Mwananchi have opted to deliberately shift their match against Dodoma next Saturday to Arusha, to give their supporters a chance to watch their team play live.

Yanga information Officer Hassan Bumbuli has explained as quoted by Daily News: “We have a big fan base in Arusha that is why the game has purposely been transferred to be played there. It is our hope that people will turn out in big numbers to cherish their team.”

Bumbuli also confirmed new signing from Burundi Saidi Ntibazonkiza will have the chance to play in Arusha and this will be a good opportunity for club fans in the town to see him in action.

The striker signed for the Jangwani club for an undisclosed fee and will now be eligible to play for the team on the day since the mini transfer window is set to be opened from December 16 to January 15.

Yanga are unbeaten in the 14 games played so far in this campaign and are enjoying a healthy seven-point lead on top of the 18-team league table.

Despite playing against a team that is second last on the table with 10 points, Yanga coach Cedric Kaze, who is yet to lose a match since signing for the team as a replacement for Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic, believes there should be no room for complacency.

“Last season rivals Simba SC lost their first league game [after a seven-match unbeaten run] at Shinyanga,”  Kaze told reporters ahead of the game.

“Playing Mwadui will not be easy, it will be a tough match. We would not look at the standings but will take the game with the seriousness it deserves, we are taking every game seriously.”

Timu ya Wananchi are on 34 points after winning 10 games and drawing four and are the only team in the 18-team division yet to taste defeat. They have managed to score 17 goals and conceded just five.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has distanced itself from the formation of the Association of Sports Federations (ASF).

Although the Ugandan FA confirmed it sent a representative to the meeting of National Sports Federations at Kati-Kati Restaurant on Thursday and following a report that was made to the Executive Committee, it has decided to disassociate itself with the newly-formed body.

“However, in synergy with other stakeholders, Fufa will continue to advocate for more attention to the entire sports industry in Uganda from the government and private sector through the National Council of Sports, Uganda Olympic Committee, Ministry of Education and Sports and the various relevant government institutions but not creating and being part of parallel bodies,” the federation stated.

The local FA, however, outlined the urgent need of looking at issues that are rocking the sports fraternity and affirmed their readiness to support initiatives that are aimed at bringing solutions.

“Fufa believes that the challenges that need to be urgently addressed through appropriate channels include; legislative bottlenecks arising out from an outdated 1964 NCS Act, insufficient funding to the sports subsector and particularly National Sports Federations, lack of sports infrastructure for international, national, regional, village sports training and competitions and policies that drive more private sector investments to the sports industry,” it added.

“Fufa will remain open to join efforts with other national sports federations using strategies and approaches that do not seem to either contradict or undermine the already existing efforts and institutions.”

Meanwhile, Fufa has released coronavirus related guidelines that will be used to guide fans back to the stadium.

“Fans shall be allowed in stadiums [in writing] upon fulfilment of the following conditions; appointment of a club medical liaison officer, club hygiene implementation officer and club safety and security officer,” Fufa’s circular No. 1126 read.

“Registration of season ticket holders not exceeding 200, submission of the list of season ticket holders to Fufa with their full bio-data to facilitate tracing when the need arises.

“Only season ticket holders [maximum 200] shall access the stadium during competition matches. No other persons shall be allowed access to the stadium beyond those stipulated in Article 13 of the Fufa Covid-19 regulations.”

The host teams have been given huge supervisory roles with regard to fan attendance and adherence to the protocols.

“The host team shall provide attendance statistics to the match commissioner and shall form part of his report,” it added.

“Strict observance of all Standard Operating Procedures in accordance with directives and guidelines from the Uganda president, the Ministry of Health, other government agencies, the Fifa, Caf and Fufa Covid-19 protocol regulations.

“Any club or football entity that fails to abide by the conditions as set out above shall be liable to sanctions including but not limited to monetary fines and withdrawal of the privilege.”

The Premier League has started and matchday three action is scheduled from Friday to Sunday with no fans allowed for now.

Marcus Rashford is not yet a "world-class striker", according to Louis Saha, who has claimed that the Manchester United star is not "deadly" enough in front of goal.

Rashford has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom since bursting onto the senior stage at Old Trafford as a teenager back in 2016.

The England international has scored 77 goals in his first 232 appearances across all competitions for United, while also providing 45 assists, getting his hands on three major trophies in the process.

The 2019-20 campaign marked Rashford's most prolific yet in the famous red shirt as his 22 goals helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side secure a third-place Premier League finish and three semi-final berths.

However, the 23-year-old only has three to his name from 10 Premier League outings at the start of the new campaign, and Saha says he still has to work on a few things in order to reach the same level as club legends Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Marcus Rashford is a world-class forward but he isn’t yet a world-class striker," the former United frontman told Genting Bet. "When you look around the world, there aren’t many players playing for big clubs such as Manchester United and perform on a big stage with his country.

"But Rashford can do whatever you want from him, he can defend when you need to and he can actually attack and create his own goals, score free kicks. He's a top forward.

"A striker is a different animal, a striker is someone who is really eager and you can see in his face that they want to score all the time and will focus on how to maximise the position where he can score. They won’t try to find that kind of ‘nice look’, a striker is just deadly. 

"This is what I learnt from playing with the likes of Van Nistelrooy and David Trezeguet. At this moment, Marcus Rashford isn’t a world-class striker, but he’s a world-class forward.

"Rashford still has the youth and the potential to do it - as Cristiano started in a certain position and now is the best striker you can ever imagine. Being a striker is an attitude and they obsess about scoring goals, they’re going to shout at any player that doesn't give them the ball and you shout to yourself because you miss a goal."

Rashford is still outscoring his usual strike partner Anthony Martial though, with the Frenchman currently enduring a barren run of form which has seen him draw blanks in all six of his top-flight appearances.

Saha says Martial has already proved his quality, but admits he must improve his output and start delivering the goods on a more consistent basis to fulfil his true potential.

"Anthony Martial has reached a level of skill and I didn’t see it coming," he added. "He’s really gifted in many areas and being a striker is one but it’s about consistency - you have to score and you have to have that desire to score all the time. 

"You’ll have moments where you don't do it but it doesn't matter because you're still making the same runs. I think that he has definitely shown quality but obviously we always want more from a player like him."

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson believes Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp and Christian Benteke will benefit immensely from the impressive skills of Eberechi Eze.

The 22-year-old has been in sparkling form since teaming up with the Premier League club from Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the summer.

The versatile midfielder has been showcasing his fine dribbling and offensive skills in the English top-flight, helping the Eagles to win five games so far.

Eze opened his goal account for Palace in style against Leeds United, curling home a well-taken free-kick which has been adjudged the best Palace goal for November.

The Anglo-Nigerian’s performances have also been rewarded by the Eagles fans, who overwhelmingly voted for him as the club’s Player of the Month for November.

Zaha returned from coronavirus isolation to bag a brace in their comprehensive victory over West Bromwich Albion.

The forward has remained an influential player for Palace over the years, helping them to maintain their Premier League status with his audacious and dazzling performances in front of goal.

The Eagles lost the two games Zaha missed against Burnley and Crystal Palace but Hodgson insisted his side is not built around a player and explained they gave their best in both games but were not lucky enough to avoid defeat.

He also explained how Zaha, Ghana international Schlupp and Benteke will benefit from Eze’s top-notch abilities.

“The stat about us without Zaha is a bit of a half-truth because we've played well in some of those games and lost,” Hodgson said in a pre-match press conference.

“But Eze is showing us at the moment that we've made the right decision. Being an offensive player and making a cutting pass will definitely help Wilf, as will Benteke and Schlupp."

Eze has now scored one goal and provided two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions this season.

The 22-year-old will be expected to continue his eye-catching performances when Crystal Palace take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer is keen for his first piece of silverware, a year since he arrived at the Soweto giants, while also ending their six-year trophy drought when they clash against Bloemfontein Celtic in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

For his opposite number John Maduka, he would be out for his first career gold medal as a coach, five months into his spell as Celtic head coach following the departure of his then co-coach Lehlohonolo Seema.

Maduka will also be seeking to bury the agony of missing out on the Nedbank Cup following defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in September’s final.

Losing another final in three months is something that Celtic would be eager to avoid as the team also wants to lift their first major trophy since 2012 when they claimed the Telkom Knockout.

They face a Pirates side that has also gone for a number of years without winning any Cup since bagging the 2014 Nedbank Cup.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV and SABC. 

Squads & Team News

After mentioning that the Caf Confederation Cup is not economically viable to them, Celtic have been fielding a second-string squad in continental competition.

In Africa, Maduka has been playing the likes of goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto, midfielder Shadrack Kobedi, Mokone Mereko, defender Mpusani Tani and Aviwe Nyamende all who are yet to make a single appearance in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) games this season.

This has seen season campaigners like captain Ndumiso Mabena, Justice Chabalala, Ronald Pfumbidzai, ex-Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane and Given Mashinkinya being rested.

They are likely to be fielded on Saturday and will take to the pitch with fresh legs with most of them having last been involved in competitive action two weeks ago when Celtic beat Black Leopards in a league match.

Earlier this week, Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer hinted at fielding utility player Thabiso Monyane who is returning from injury.

Monyane has played just one match this season and it would be interesting to see if Zinnbauer will hand minutes to someone coming from a long spell on the sidelines.

Bafana Bafana attacker Thembinkosi Lorch and defender Abel Mabaso are still out injured.

Striker Frank Mhango could start on Saturday after coming on as a substitute in Pirates’ last two games that marked his return from injury.

Congolese forward Jean-Marc Makusu who is yet to make his Pirates debut could provide a fresh dimension if he is allowed to play.

Match Preview

Pirates’ road to the MTN8 Cup final saw them edge Cape Town City in the quarter-finals.

This was followed by an emphatic 5-0 aggregate triumph over traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final after a 3-0 first-leg win and a 2-0 return leg victory.

Celtic have also been impressive in their path to the final especially after eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns in the last-eight.

Siwelele then knocked out defending champions SuperSport United in the semi-finals following a 1-1 away draw in the first leg, before a 1-0 win in the home leg.

It is six weeks since Celtic and Pirates last met in a competitive fixture when the Buccaneers beat the Free State side 1-0 in a PSL encounter at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

The last time the two sides met in a knockout competition was in the 2017 Nedbank Cup when Pirates eliminated Celtic at the quarter-finals stage following a 2-1 win.

Pep Guardiola has praised John Stones for turning his career at Manchester City around, while insisting he never lost faith in the defender.

Stones has racked up 141 appearances in all competitions for City since completing a £50 million ($66m) move to Etihad Stadium from Everton in 2016.

The 26-year-old has helped the Blues win seven trophies in total, including two Premier League titles, while also establishing himself as a regular in Gareth Southgate's England squad at international level.

However, Stones slipped down the squad pecking order at the Etihad last season amid form and fitness issues, with Guardiola ultimately dipping into the summer transfer window to bolster his defensive ranks after seeing Liverpool knock them off their perch at the top of the table.

City managed to bring in Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake from Benfica and Bournemouth respectively, which initially left Stones facing an uncertain future heading into the final 18 months of his contract.

The centre-back has managed to force his way back into Guardiola's plans in recent weeks though, and has started four of the Blues' last five matches, including a 2-0 home win over Fulham last weekend.

Stones could be in line to feature again in Saturday's derby clash against Manchester United, with his manager left delighted by the hard work he has put in behind the scenes to give him a welcome selection headache.

"I'm incredibly happy for John Stones," Guardiola told Sky Sports News. "In the end, the players have to show for themselves, we can't help them for certain points.

"I never changed my mind. When we bought him from Everton we thought he had the quality to do it. But footballers are not just footballers they are human beings, human beings have problems and personal lives.

"Some footballers when they have a problem outside, they forget it when they are inside and other ones put the problems inside.

"He came here as a young lad, only 21 or 22, and immediately everything started happening with the national team for England and playing here in the Champions League, which he had never played before. And sometimes you need time and a process to settle and some players need more time than the other ones.

"We know the quality he has and I am especially happy because he is an incredible person. In the good moments, he is always there and in the bad moments, he fights and always was with the team.

"This behaviour will help him to have a long, long career and live for this amazing job for a long time. Just the mentality and the positivity. He turned it around and hopefully he can continue not just for coming seasons as well."

Mathare United and Zoo FC will now remain suspended from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League after they failed to sign the broadcast deal with StarTimes.

The two clubs were on Wednesday given 48 hours to endorse the deal and were suspended provisionally from taking part in the top-flight until they signed the same.

However, the 48 hours elapsed on Friday at 5 pm, and none of the ‘rebel’ teams had signed the contract, with FKF CEO Barry Otieno confirming to Goal the clubs only came back asking for more time before they can sign it.

“We gave [Mathare United and Zoo FC] 48 hours to sign the document and none has signed,” Otieno told Goal on Saturday. “As passed by the federation’s National Executive Committee (NEC), they will remain suspended from the league and their players will be allowed to join other clubs.

“We will now proceed to redo the fixtures for the current campaign and remove the two teams from the roster.

Otieno continued: “Instead of signing the document, the clubs came back asking for more time but since NEC had already given them an ultimatum [of 48 hours which they did not meet], it is not possible to give them more time, they will now remain suspended and the league will continue without them.”

FKF has also urged the two clubs to lodge a complaint with the Court of Arbitration in Zurich if they feel aggrieved with the decision.

In a letter obtained by Goal signed by CEO Otieno and sent to Zoo, who had already said they will seek advice from the local Sports Dispute Tribunal, FKF has said: “In any event, in your previous email dated December 9, 2020, you were unequivocal that you had elected to seek the Sports Dispute Tribunal’s advice and direction on the matter, a contentious proclamation that is an express admission of a deliberate contravention of the FKF constitution (2017), calling for disciplinary action and an equally clear expression of a definite decision/position on the matter from your end.

“Subsequently, the FKF National Executive committee brought the matter to a conclusive end. FKF and the NEC are now functus offcio. Zoo may, if aggrieved, lodge an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports.”

The letter to Mathare United sent to the club’s lawyer Rachier & Amollo Advocates also stated: “Please refer to your letter dated December 11, 2020.

“The content of the draft correspondences you list in your letter in self-evident of a fair and engaging process undertaken by the federation. Unfortunately, your client is engrossed in endless circumlocution.

“The FKF NEC having brought the matter to a conclusive end, FKF and NEC are functus offcio and your client, if aggrieved can lodge an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

With the suspension of the two teams, it means the 2020-21 season will have 16 teams but if Ulinzi Stars also fail to sign (as per deadline day on Monday), then the top-flight will have 15 teams.

Sofapaka head coach John Baraza has revealed how they have prepared for the Saturday Football Kenya Federation Premier League tie against unbeaten AFC Leopards.

Ingwe will face Batoto ba Mungu in what has been described as ‘Cats Derby’ at Kasarani. AFC Leopards remain unbeaten given that they picked up wins against Tusker and Bidco United while Sofapaka were beaten by Bandari before picking up a win against Western Stima.

“Building momentum is very vital, it also helps in instilling confidence and a winning mentality,” Baraza told the club’s website. “Definitely, we are going for a win on Saturday because we want to make it two out of two in a row.

“With no doubt this a big clash and a very crucial one for us as a club. We are facing a side that is equally challenging for the title so it won’t be a walk in the park.

“We have had a good preparation towards the match, the seriousness of this match has been translated in our training sessions and I am confident that we are well prepared.

“It is a big clash and as you all know it’s always termed the ‘Cats’ Derby’ thus the bragging right is fully at stake and we as a club want to emerge winners on Saturday.

Paul Kiongera, Promise Chinonso and Willis Obayi are all available for selection after recovering from injuries. Kiongera was suffering from a hip injury but has recovered and was part of group training in the last session.

Chinonso overcame a groin injury while captain Obayi has recovered from a knee injury.

“So far so good we have been boosted with a timely return of our three important players; Chinonso, Kiongera and Obayi,” Baraza confirmed.

“As a coach, I am pleased because this gives us depth and options. We, however, will still miss defender Michael Bodo and Brian Magonya who got a knock in our last match.”

Bodo is recuperating from a groin problem while Rwandan international Isaac Mitima is out due to a knee injury he got while turning out against Western Stima in Wundanyi.

The tie will kick-off at 15:00 EAT as AFC Leopards interim coach Anthony Kimani looks for his second win in the relatively new season.

Uganda striker Emmanuel Okwi is set to miss the Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club's league game away to Pyramids FC after testing positive for Covid-19. 

The Masters of the City were hoping to start the Egyptian campaign on a high and were aiming at having all their players available for the game. The six-time Egypt Cup Winners have confirmed the player is not yet in Egypt since he could not travel with the condition.

"The return of Ugandan striker Emmanuel Okwi has been postponed after he was diagnosed with the coronavirus," the club confirmed through a statement.

"Results of the coronavirus detection test conducted on Uganda professional player Emmanuel Okwi of Al Ittihad Club of Alexandria before leaving his country showed that the player was infected and tested positive. 

"The player had taken this test in preparation for returning to Egypt to join his team for training and matches, but the positive test has led to the postponement of his return to a later date.

"Our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to our Ugandan striker Emmanuel."

Okwi was part of the Johnathan McKinstry-led charges who played South Sudan in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.

In the home game played at St Mary's Lugogo stadium, Cranes managed to get a 1-0 win. 

South Sudan were destined for what could have been their first point in Group B, but Halid Lwaliwa’s 86th-minute goal denied them the point despite a strong performance against the hosts.  

Okwi was substituted in that particular game and Allan Okello took his position.

The Bright Stars avenged the loss at home when they defeated 10-man Cranes by the same margin at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Okwi did not start the game and he came in as a second-half substitute.

A defender fouled the opponent's player in the danger zone and Gor Mahia striker Tito Okello rose for the occasion to send Denis Onyango the wrong way and ensured Bright Stars picked up a maiden group win while Uganda suffered an unlikely first loss in the qualifiers.  

Okwi's introduction could not help his team get an equalizer.

The 27-year-old is the second Uganda player to test positive, after Smouha's Derrick Nsibambi in July.

Arsenal defender Jennifer Beattie has opened up on her battle with breast cancer, admitting she "automatically" thought the worst after her diagnosis.

Beattie has enjoyed a prominent role in Arsenal's line up since rejoining the club from Manchester City in June 2019.

She won five major trophies during his first spell with the Gunners between 2009 and 2013, becoming a fan favourite in the process, but her first season back proved to a frustrating one due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Women's Super League decided to abandon the campaign in May, meaning Arsenal had to make do with a third-place finish, and they were ultimately unable to achieve success in either the Champions League or FA Cup when the two competitions resumed in August and September respectively.

Joe Montemurro's side have bounced back strongly at the start of the 2020-21 season though, rising to second in the WSL standings after eight fixtures - one point behind leaders Manchester United.

Beattie has featured in four of those games, scoring once, but has had to juggle her day job with regular hospital appointments over the past few months.

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in October, which left her fearing for her life, but she says the support she has had from Arsenal's players and staff has helped her get through a frightening period.

"It kind of does seem like a massive blur," Beattie told BBC Sport. "You automatically think the worst. I asked the question, 'Am I going to die?' - that's what I asked them.

"I was grateful because they allowed my club doctor to be in appointments with me to ask all the right medical questions, because I didn't have a clue. 

"The girls here were just unbelievable. I feel like it's moments like these or times like these where you realise why you play sport. It really is like being part of a family away from family. 

"I don't know what I would have done without them. That's the staff and the players. They've all been unbelievable. The support I've had down here has got me through it, for sure."

Beattie will be back in contention for a place in Montemurro's squad when Arsenal take in a trip to City on Sunday.

FC Goa's Alberto Noguera was all praises for teammate Brandon Fernandes, highlighting him as one of the best Indian players.

Noguera, who has started two games out of four for the Gaurs this season, has been impressive so far. He registered an assist in the 2-2 draw against Bengaluru and was unfortunate to hit the upright in what could have been the potential winner in the 1-1 draw against NorthEast United.

"There should certainly be some healthy competition within the side. That’s how we all grow. I like to play with good players and Brandon is one of the best Indian players in this league. So I am happy playing on his side anytime rather than against," Noguera told Goal, having started alongside Brandon once - against NorthEast United.

With Goa currently occupying the seventh spot and with an opportunity to climb into the top four at the end of Round 5 as they face Odisha on Saturday, the 31-year-old is impressed by the level of competition in the ISL.

"I think this league is really competitive and I am frankly quite impressed by the level. It’s improving every year. As you can see this season, any team can beat any other team. That’s great for watching.

"To be fair, I am most impressed with my team. It’s a new team and a new coach, but I am really delighted at how everything has come together. I think we are playing some outstanding football. We haven’t got the best results but sometimes in football these things happen. We are trying to change this situation with wins in the upcoming games.

Several young Indian players have been afforded an opportunity to shine like Saviour Gama and Princeton Rebello this season at Goa. Noguera spoke about their potential.

"We have some very talented (Indian) players in our club. They need to improve in some aspects. With time and confidence, they will be very good. I’m sure they will grow to become really important players for the club and for the national team really soon," he observed.