Looking for Soccer News?

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mohammed Ouseb says the warm welcome Peter Shalulile received at Mamelodi Sundowns was key to the forward's high start to life at Chloorkop where more can be expected from him.

Shalulile arrived at Downs from Highlands Park at the beginning of this season to quickly establish himself as a starter and has managed two Premier Soccer League (PSL) goals and an assist in four matches.

He has appeared in every match Sundowns has played this term as he also featured in the MTN8 quarter-finals defeat by Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Namibia forward’s bright start points at him again contending for the PSL Golden Boot award he won last season after managing 16 goals to become joint top-scorer with Orlando Pirates forward Frank Mhango.

Ouseb says finding a welcoming environment at Sundowns has helped Shalulile feel at home, something he feels has added quality to his game as he insists that more is coming from the striker.

“I remember one particular year when I and Woody Jacobs took those boys [Namibia Under-20] to Ghana as part of our U-20 national team training camp, it was there when I got the opportunity to see and work with Peter and there was no doubt that the boy was headed for the bigger stage,” said Ouseb as per Far Post.

“He is hard-working, humble and is an all-rounder. The young man is a workhorse and a player any coach can rely on. I really also have to say the way that Sundowns welcomed him also made it easier for Peter to settle down and the team’s style of play also fits very well with how Peter moves and positions himself.

“Sundowns is the perfect fit for him and I can only encourage him to keep going, he’s only getting started.”

Shalulile appears to have struck an understanding with midfielder Themba Zwane as well as fellow new arrival Kermit Erasmus.

The trio’s impressive showing has so far seen Sundowns not showing signs of missing the injured Uruguayan duo of Gaston Sirino and Mauricio Affonso as well as Sibusiso Vilakazi.

With Sirino being heavily linked with a move to Al Ahly, Lebohang Maboe, Vilakazi, Affonso and Lesedi Kapinga could act as back-up to the Shalulile-Zwane-Erasmus partnership.

Tottenham have been handed an injury boost heading into the Christmas period, with Jose Mourinho delivering a positive update on Toby Alderweireld after seeing him forced off against Manchester City.

Alderweireld hobbled off holding his groin in the latter stages of Spurs' 2-0 home victory over City on Saturday, with summer signing Joe Rodon coming on in his place for the final few minutes.

Asked whether the Belgian's knock was a serious one, Mourinho told Sky Sports post-match: "I would say so.

"I just feel sorry for Toby. He did a fantastic performance, he has an important injury. It's the injury of fatigue."

It was initially feared that a man who has played a key role in Tottenham's rise to the Premier League summit would be out of action until late December, leaving Mourinho short on centre-back options at a potentially pivotal stage of the season.

However, the Portuguese has now revealed that Alderweireld's recovery time will likely be quicker than originally expected, and he could return to the pitch just in time to help Spurs negotiate their way through a congested festive fixture list.

"Toby has a muscular injury but not as big as we initially thought," Mourinho told a press conference ahead of a Europa League meeting with Ludogorets on Thursday night.

"He will have his time to be out but not like a month, which was immediately what we thought. I'd say between two and four weeks."

Alderweireld will be forced to sit out Spurs' latest European clash, and will also be unavailable for selection when they make the short trip across London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Mourinho's side are currently sitting two points clear of the Blues at the top of the Premier League standings, having recorded six wins, two draws and only one defeat from their opening nine games.

Tottenham are already being tipped to dethrone Liverpool after their bright start to the campaign, and Tim Sherwood has been among those to lavish praise on their current manager for the way he has brought the best out of a squad that had previously been lacking in confidence.

“Jose has brainwashed his players to believe they have to work to achieve something – they need to win trophies, this group of players," the ex-Spurs midfielder said earlier this week.

“And why wouldn’t you believe in him? He’s won 20 major trophies in his career and you’re winning football matches, so then you start believing that this guy is the real deal, he knows what he’s talking about, and why can’t we win the league?"

Gor Mahia are stranded in Nairobi and could miss their trip to Kigali to face APR in the preliminary match of the Caf Champions League on Saturday.

Suspended club official Sam Ochola has confirmed in a signed statement the club is broke and that players did not turn out for training on Wednesday.

“Gor Mahia is broke! We want to gather any available monetary support we can to reduce our gaping operational costs, even if there are no kickbacks to us, individuals - it is for the sake of the club,” Ochola wrote in the statement obtained by Goal.

“FKF was to disburse Sh3million immediately to enable Gor Mahia to travel to Rwanda, a mandatory Covid-19 test was also to be carried out today [Wednesday] at 3 pm but players are on strike as we speak.”

Goal can now reveal the team’s plans to travel to Rwanda on Wednesday have hit a snag because they are yet to purchase tickets and test players and officials for Covid-19.

Another source who did not want to be named has told Goal the team can only travel on Friday as there are no flights to Rwanda on Thursday.

“I am very disappointed and cannot call this my club, the club I love because I fear that the club standards are going down,” said the source.

“The players have not trained today [Wednesday] because they are asking for money, they have not been paid and also even the mandatory test for Covid-19 for the travelling party has not been conducted, I fear APR will beat us.”

When reached for comment, FKF, CEO Barry Otieno told Goal they are ready to help the clubs secure tickets and travel for the first match in Kigali, but only if they write to them formally.

“We have been informed of Gor Mahia’s situation and are ready to cover for the team’s air tickets to Rwanda using funds from FKF Premier League sponsors,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“The federation’s proposal has been shared with Gor Mahia club officials and we are awaiting feedback from them.”

The last time Gor Mahia played against APR was in 2008 during the Confederation Cup where the army side beat K'Ogalo 6-0 on aggregate.

Paul Scholes has reiterated his belief that Anthony Martial is not capable of being Manchester United's main striker, insisting that he doesn't possess the necessary attributes to play in the role on a regular basis.

The France international featured in United's 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir although failed to make a significant impact, with Bruno Fernandes proving to be the star of the show as he netted two goals from midfield.

Martial has often been Solskjaer's first choice to occupy the number nine position in the 2020-21 campaign, although Edinson Cavani was given the chance to prove his fitness in the Champions League match at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Uruguayan forward attracted widespread praise for his tireless running over the 90 minutes although there is every chance that the United boss will move Martial back to the centre-forward role for the trip to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Scholes, though, isn't convinced that Martial is capable of playing the position effectively, insisting that he lacks the required movement, as well the ability to play with his back to goal, to be able flourish in that role.

He told BT Sport: "Martial's strength... we’ve spoke about him being a centre-forward, he's not a good centre-forward.

"I don’t think he's got that movement for centre-forward, he's not good with his back to goal. But when he gets the ball and he's facing someone, it's a different position. You see him going at someone."

When asked if Martial relies heavily on confidence, Scholes added: "Definitely. He's a little bit moody and you see him. But once he gets a goal there's every chance he'll go on to get three or four."

It's not the first time that United legend Scholes has questioned Martial's performances, with the 46-year-old having claimed back in October that the former Monaco star had "almost conned us" into thinking he was a top central striker.

Indeed, after scoring 23 goals across all competitions last season, Martial has managed just two in the 2020-21 campaign up to now, with both of them coming in the Champions League.

Hlompho Kekana has dedicated his Fifa Puskas award nomination to former Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Anele Ngcongca.

The former Genk right back who was set to be unveiled by Amazulu on Monday evening, passed away tragically following a car accident in Durban.

In a touching post on Twitter, the Downs skipper says his shortlist for the prestigious award is for the former South Africa international.

“As a club we are still mourning the loss of our brother. In training we feel it. Amidst the sadness, it is difficult to process this, and I have to dedicate this nomination to my brother #16 Anele Ngcongca,” Kekana tweeted.

The 35-year-old’s long-range screamer in the Brazilians’ 1-1 draw against Cape Town City on August 20, 2019 made the cut alongside Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez, Caroline Weir (Manchester City), Leonel Quinonez (Universidad Catolica, Zlatko Junuzoic (Rapid Wien), Sophie Ingle (Arsenal Women), Andre-Pierre Gignac (UANL Tigres), Shirley Cruz (Costa Rica women), Jordan Flores (Shamrock Rovers) and Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Ceara SC).

This is not the first time Kekana would be listed for the accolade after his goal for South Africa versus Cameroon in March 2016 was considered for that year’s prize. Nevertheless, he did not win the award.

“The winner of the Fifa Puskas Award will be selected by an international jury comprising a panel of Fifa legends and by the fans from all over the world registered on fifa.com. Each of the two groups of voters within the jury has the same electoral weight,” Fifa wrote in a statement.

Voting is already open and will close on December 9 with the three finalists revealed two days later.

Winner will be crowned at The Best Fifa Football Awards on December 17 and the 2020 winner will replace Hungarian Daniel Zsori, who won it last year.

Meanwhile, Liverpool duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will compete for the Best Fifa Men's Player alongside Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jack Wilshere has admitted he is still an "Arsenal man" and that returning to Emirates Stadium would be a "dream".

Wilshere spent ten years in Arsenal's senior squad after signing his first professional contract in 2008, racking up 198 appearances for the club across all competitions.

The former England international contributed 14 goals and 30 assists to the Gunners' cause in total, but ultimately failed to live up to his potential due to a series of injury problems.

Wilshere eventually decided to leave the Emirates in the summer of 2018, having grown frustrated by a lack of regular minutes, and subsequently joined West Ham on a three-year deal.

The midfielder's fitness struggles continued at the London Stadium as he only featured in 19 games across two seasons, and his contract was eventually cancelled by mutual consent last month.

The 28-year-old has been on the lookout for a new club ever since, and although he has welcomed the prospect of undertaking a new challenge abroad, Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers are reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Wilshere says Arsenal would be his first-choice next destination because he remains an avid supporter of the club, but the experienced playmaker acknowledges the fact it is unlikely the north London outfit will look to bring him back.

The ex-Gunners star told the ITV Football Football Show when quizzed on the possibility of a return to the Emirates: "Listen, you never know. I'm an Arsenal man. There's nothing, I've not spoken to anyone or anything but that would be the dream.

"I'm not stupid to know that there's probably no chance of it happening but I'm an Arsenal man, I love the club and want to see the club do well."

Wilshere was also asked how he thinks Mikel Arteta has fared in his first year in the Arsenal hot seat, to which he responded: “I’ve heard he’s really good, a lot of people who were there when I was there have left, but a few are still there.

“He’s really hands on, it’s really coach-led, is what I’ve heard, he knows what he wants and where he wants his players to be. He wants hard work every session and I think you can see that when he first came in.”

Kenya international Michael Olunga scored his 25th goal in the 2020 J1 League season when Kashiwa Reysol defeated Kashima Antlers 4-1 on Wednesday.

Leo Silva’s and Kim Seung-Gyu's own goals were among the goals that were scored in the mid-week encounter.

Olunga, Yuta Kamiya, and Cristiano da Silva were the other scorers as Kashima Antlers played their 30th game while Kashiwa Reysol engaged in their 27th match.

Silva’s 26th-minute own goal gave Kashiwa Reysol a lead but it was cancelled out by Kim Seung- Gyu’s own goal in the 56th minute.

Olunga handed a lead to Kashia Reysol in the 75th minute as he scored his 25th goal of the season.

This is the second straight time the Kenya international has scored since resuming actions after they were forced into self-isolation when their camp reported six coronavirus positives in late October.

The Harambee Star was also on target when Kashiwa Reysol went down 2-1 to Sagan Tosu on November 21.

Da Silva added the third in the 83rd minute with an assist from Ataru Esaka, who had also helped Olunga score a few minutes before.

Kamiya scored the fourth for Kashiwa Reysol in the first minute of added time to hand the 2019 J2 League champions a big win. The victory is the first for Olunga’s side after they had failed to win in the last two games.

November is turning out to be another good month for Olunga, who is chasing the Golden Boot award. In October he was named in the team of the month after his exploits for the club given the number of goals he amassed.

The former Girona striker missed Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros in earlier this month after some of his teammates and head coach returned positive coronavirus tests.

The Harambee Stars picked up just a point from the double-header as they drew 1-1 at home before they lost 2-1 in the second game.

As his Golden Boot award dream remains very much alive, Olunga will be in action against Vegalta Sendai on December 1.

Kawasaki Frontale have been declared winners of the league title already given they lead with 75 points, 17 more than Gamba Osaka who are second with four matches to go.

Donny van de Beek says he is comfortable playing wherever Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs him in Manchester United's midfield following an impressive display during the 4-1 Champions League victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.

Van de Beek has had to be patient since his £40 million ($55m) move to Old Trafford, but was dominant during the European clash on Tuesday night.

Deployed in a deeper role alongside Fred, the Dutchman's discipline in that area allowed Bruno Fernandes to be freed up to excel further up the pitch.

Fernandes scored twice in the opening 20 minutes as United dominated in midfield, and Van de Beek said he is happy to play further back should that be what Solskjaer requires.

“It worked really well,” Van de Beek told MUTV . “Some games I play No.10 and sometimes the coach needs me in the control position. That is fine for me because before, when I played at Ajax, I was playing in those positions, so it is okay.”

United now need only one point to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages from their final two group-stage games, having recovered from a shock defeat away to Basaksehir in the third match of the group.

Van de Beek was pleased with United's reaction to the 2-1 defeat in Turkey, but admitted their second-half performance - in which Basaksehir scored a free-kick and hit the crossbar as they threatened to get back in the match - was not acceptable.

He said: “It was a good reaction from the away game. [To win] 4-1 at home I think you can be happy.

“The first half was really good especially the first 30 minutes and we played nice football and scored nice goals. In the second half we lost too many balls and gave them some chances but the last five minutes we controlled the game again.

“We had some chances in the second half to make the fourth goal before we did but we lost too many balls, and then the control of the game you lose that. It was not good from our side.”

United now only need to avoid defeat at home to PSG or away to RB Leipzig to advance.

“It is not finished but we are in a good position. We need to keep working and everything will be fine," Van de Beek said.

Luis Suarez and Heung-min Son are among the nominees for the FIFA Puskas Award 2020 with the field narrowed down to 11 nominees ahead of The Best awards ceremony.

The award, which is given to the player who scored the best goal of the year, is truly global and nominees can be found across the world at all levels of competition.

Icons such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and Neymar populate the list of previous winners, but the beauty of the competition allows more obscure goals to receive global recognition.

So who are this year's Puskas Award nominees? We have listed all the goals for you to watch below, as well as the details on how to vote.

Puskas Award nominees:

Shirley Cruz | Costa Rica vs Panama | January 28, 2020

Click here to watch the video.

Giorgian de Arrascaeta | Flamengo vs Ceara SC | August 25, 2019

Click here to watch the video.

Jordan Flores | Dundalk vs Shamrock Rovers | February 28, 2020

Click here to watch the video.

Andre-Pierre Gignac | Tigres vs Pumas | March 1, 2020

Click here to watch the video.

Sophie Ingle | Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women | January 19, 2020

Click here to watch the video.

Zlatko Junuzovic | Red Bull Salzburg vs Rapid Wien | June 24, 2020

Click here to watch the video.

Click here to watch the video.

Leonel Quinonez | Macara vs Universidad Catolica | August 19, 2019

Click here to watch the video.

Heung-min Son | Tottenham vs Burnley | December 7, 2019

Click here to watch the video.

Luis Suarez | Barcelona vs Mallorca | December 7, 2019

Click here to watch the video.

Caroline Weir | Man City Women vs Man Utd Women | September 7, 2019

Click here to watch the video.

Which goal gets your vote?

You can take part in the The Best FIFA Puskas Award poll on FIFA's official vote here.

Voting is open until December 9, 2020 and the winner will be announced at The Best awards ceremony in Zurich on December 17, 2020.

Former Zimbabwe captain Peter Ndlovu says fatigue could be creeping into Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat’s game, causing loss of form, and suggests that the player needs rest.

Since arriving at Kaizer Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2018, Billiat has struggled to play the football that saw him being crowned the 2016 PSL Player of the Season as well as earning him a nomination for the 2016 Caf African Player of the Year.

Eleven goals and 10 assists in all competitions in his debut Chiefs season were followed by just three goals and two assists last term.

After starting eight games for Chiefs across all competitions this campaign, Billiat has not a single goal to his name but has managed four assists.

His statistics in Amakhosi colours are a far cry from the numbers he posted while at Sundowns, especially during the 2015/16 season.

“He has played lot of football, that what we must know also, loss of form is caused by too much football, and must be aligned with rest,’’ said Ndlovu as per The Herald.

“There are a lot of things going around a player, involving fatigue and mental [issues], but loss of form is just a temporary thing, but it’s how you come back. How I managed all these things, during my playing days, was you look at what can bring you back into the game, so you have to contribute for the team, with or without the ball.”

Billiat’s struggles have even seen him being benched by Zimbabwe coach Zdravko Logarusic when the Warriors faced Algeria for a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Harare last week.

Despite such a rare scenario to start from the Zimbabwean bench, Ndlovu believes that his compatriot will bounce back from the loss of form.

“And, you have to actually play for the team, so Khama will do that and he is going to do that. I hope this message helps him get through anything, and it’s not only from me but also his teammates, and also his captain in the national team, and other players around him," Ndlovu said.

“You know, when you have a good player, you always pat him and say ‘come on boy we need you now,’ and they will feel the importance, they feel that they are very important and will rise to the occasion. “So, for Khama, nobody will take that quality away from him, and he will come back and believe you me, he is a quality player.”

Billiat continues his quest to improve his showing when Kaizer Chiefs play Cameroonian champions PWD Bamenda in Friday’s Caf Champions League preliminary round, first leg away match.

Hearts of Oak boss Edward Nii Odoom believes his team were let down by poor finishing in their Ghana Premier League (GPL) encounter with Ashanti Gold on Tuesday.

In their first taste of action since the commencement of the league earlier this month, the Phobians gave away a lead on two occasions as they were held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Ashanti Gold in a match week two clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kojo Obeng Junior (Hearts) and Hans Kwofie scored twice each to cancel out each other.

"I'm very disappointed with our performance in the first half," Odoom said in a post-match press conference.

"We created lots of glorious opportunities in both first and second half but failed to utilise then.

"My midfielders went off in the first half but I saw some positive in the due to how they connected in the second half.

"I will have to work on them and the finishing and my attackers going forward."

Obeng Junior broke the deadlock for Hearts in the 33rd minute from close range before Kwofie hit back for Ashanti Gold it the 57th minute.

Ten minutes to full-time, Patrick Razak outwitted his marker on the far side with a beautiful piece of skill before sending in a delightful cross which was timeline met in the air by Obeng Junior for Hearts' second goal of the day.

Ashanti Gold, however, did not give up as they fought back to snatch another equaliser two minutes to full-time, courtesy of Kwofie.

“It's the team first before the individual, so with my colleagues, I think we are going to gather ourselves and put up a good performance this season for Accra Hearts of Oak,” Razak, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said in a post-match interview.

“I will say I’m impressed because our ambition is for the team to win. And I think everybody has given his best, but so far as we did not get a win, we’ll say our performance was not encouraging.

"So we will try and work on our performance and our team shaping and I think we will come back strongly."

Hearts have had to wait until matchday two to get a first taste of 2020-21 GPL action due to tge postponement of their opening day fixture against Aduana Stars due to coronavirus safety concerns. 

Tyquan Terrell discloses that watching the video clips of "favourite Africa Player" Sadio Mane has made him a better player.

The 22-year-old attacking sensation has risen through the ranks for Saint Kitts and Nevis, representing the Caribbean country at U20 and U23 level before making his senior international debut against Grenada in the Concacaf Nations League.

In a chat with Goal, the talented player, who has been scouted by several Major League Soccer outfits like Los Angeles FC, Minnesota FC United and FC Dallas, revealed he looks up to the Liverpool star due to the example he continues to set on and off the pitch – explaining how watching his video clips helps him improve his game.

“I’ll say my favourite African footballer is Sadio Mane of Liverpool and Senegal. I like the way he plays, his speed, dribbling ability and his knack for scoring great goals,” Terrell told Goal.

“Off the pitch, one thing that stands him out is his humility and how he gives back to his people. He is keen on ensuring that his people are well looked after and never worries about fancy things of life.

“More often, I go on YouTube to watch some of Mane’s video clips and try as much as possible to recreate his moves during games. Watching him has also helped me become hungry for goals.

“Another player that catches my fancy and we have the same playing pattern is Peter Odemwingie. He is sleek and blessed with tactical abilities.

“During his active days as a footballer, he caused a lot of troubles for defenders and his ability to use both legs made him a delight to watch.”

Being an ardent follower of African football, Terrell is not ruling out the possibility of representing an African club in future.

“The South African and Egyptian leagues are so strong that they have produced great talents over the years, but who knows what the future holds?” he continued.

“Well, I'm sure it will be a good experience and good opportunity to learn about African culture. But for now, I’m currently focusing on my club football and international career with Saint Kitts and Nevis."

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has warned his players to be very cautious when they take on Plateau United FC in their preliminary round first leg match on Sunday.

The Belgian tactician has admitted despite the team signing off for their first meeting with the Nigerian outfit with a huge 7-0 win against Coastal Union in the Mainland Premier League, his players should not be carried away by the result and must remain focused to tackle “a difficult opponent.”

Simba were on the rampage at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Saturday as they tore Coastal Union to shreds with a hat-trick from captain John Bocco, a double from Clatous Chama, and goals from Hassan Dilunga and Bernard Morrison handing the champions victory.

“There is a risk after winning 7-0 because people become too confident but we do not need to be like that because we will face a strong opponent,” Vandenbroeck told Daily News.

“It was a good preparation, good image but we still need to be aware of the danger that awaits us in Nigeria,” added the Belgian tactician whose team has now managed to score a total of 29 goals, more than any other on the table.

On winning the league tie 7-0, Vandenbroeck explained: “Generally, I cannot say much because the 7-0 win shows that we were very dominant of the whole game but in the second half, our tempo slowed because we were already 5-0 up and in the mind of players, they knew that they were traveling...that was logic.”

Vandenbroeck has also received a huge boost with two key players – striker Meddie Kagere and winger Luis Miquissone – making the 24-man squad to Nigeria for the clash that will be played in Abuja.

After the first leg at New Jos Stadium, Plateau United will travel to Dar es Salaam for the return leg which will be staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on the weekend of December 4. 

Simba’s fans will be keen to see some improvement, following last year’s unimpressive display after they were knocked out in the preliminary round by UD Songo from Mozambique.

Whereas in the 2018/19 season they managed to reach the quarter-finals, it was in 1974 when Simba managed to get into the semi-finals but were knocked out by Egyptian side Ghazl El Mahalla.

Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula, Ally Salim, and Beno Kakolanya.

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Erasto Nyoni, Ibrahim Ame, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Kennedy Juma.

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Mzamiru Yassin, Said Ndemla, Rally Bwalya, Hassan Dilunga, Francis Kahata, and Clatous Chama.

Strikers: John Bocco, Meddie Kagere, Miraji Athumani, Bernard Morrison, Luis Miquissone and Ibrahim Ajibu.

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana is back again contesting for the 2020 Fifa Puskas Award.

The long-range shot in Sundowns’ 1-1 draw against Cape Town City will see Kekana contesting against the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, who are also part of 11 players nominated for this gong.

It is not the first time for Kekana to be listed for this award after his Bafana Bafana goal against Cameroon in March 2016 was also considered for that year’s honours.

He, however, did not make it into the three finalists from a preliminary selection that included Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and Neymar who also could not progress further.

This time around, Kekana would be hoping to go a step further by being considered for the final three.

“The winner of the FIFA Puskas Award will be selected by an international jury comprising a panel of Fifa legends and by the fans from all over the world registered on www.fifa.com. Each of the two groups of voters within the jury has the same electoral weight,” said Fifa in a statement.

Voting is already open and will close on December 9 before three finalists are announced two days later.

The winner will be crowned at The Best Fifa Football Awards on December 17 and the 2020 winner will replace Hungarian Daniel Zsori, who won it last year.

Kekana’s goal against Cape Town City was also voted as the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League Goal of the Season.

Mason Greenwood is "going to be a beast", according to Rio Ferdinand, who says the Manchester United teenager has Ruud van Nistelrooy's "precision" in front of goal.

Greenwood has been a revelation for United since bursting onto the senior stage in 2019-20.

The 19-year-old scored 17 goals to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side earn a third-place Premier League finish and make it through to three semi-finals, forming one-third of a fearsome attacking triumvirate alongside Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Fitness issues have hampered the England international in the early stages of the new season, but he returned to the Red Devils' squad for a Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday after recovering from a bout of illness.

Greenwood impressed after coming on as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford, providing the assist for Daniel James to round off a comfortable 4-1 victory, and he will be in contention for his fourth Premier League start of the season when United take in a trip to Southampton on Sunday.

Ferdinand sees similarities between the young forward and Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006, and thinks he is destined for stardom because of his natural instincts in the final third.

The United legend told BT Sport of Greenwood's potential after his latest European display: “He looked very sharp. The passing forward in the No.10 spot, Van de Beek coming in there, and it just again showed his difference. Daniel James looked impressive when he came on too.

“He’s going to be a beast to go with the technique he’s got, the understanding, his spatial awareness, he plays off both feet.

“I want to go and watch training. That’s what he gets out of me. I want to go and watch his technique, him lashing balls into the back of the net.

"We talk about Ruud van Nistelrooy, it excites you when you see finishers that finish aggressively, but with precision. He has that in abundance.”

Ferdinand's former United team-mate Paul Scholes, meanwhile, believes Greenwood is already the most deadly player in the box on United's books.

“He physically looks stronger now than the last time we saw him. He’s a big, strong and powerful lad, and he’s only going to get stronger as well," said the Old Trafford great.

"I think out of the three or four forwards they have, he’ll be the best finisher as well."

Uganda international Luwagga Kizito earned a brace in Hapoel Kfar Saba's 3-2 win against Maccabi Haifa in an Israeli Premier League encounter on Tuesday.

Kizito scored the first goal for Hapoel Kfar Saba in the 48th minute after Ofri Arad had opened the scoring for Maccabi Haifa in the 22nd minute.

An own goal by Arad in the 53rd minute saw Hapoel Kfar Saba take the lead before the Uganda forward added his second in the 70th minute with a penalty kick.

Australian international Nikita Rukavytsya scored the second for Maccabi Haifa in the ninth minute of added time but the late goal was not enough to hand the visitors a point.

Hapoel Kfar Saba are sixth with 10 points from seven and will next be up against Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 29.

Meanwhile, in the English Championship, Uganda striker Uche Ikpeazu was not involved again as Wycombe Wanderers recorded a 0-0 draw against Huddersfield on Tuesday.

The draw meant Ikpeazu’s side failed to move up away from the relegation zone.

Wycombe Wanderers’ manager Gareth Ainsworth said the team is now looking a stronger side than before despite failing to win at home.

“The players are learning as they go, which is a great sign, and I think there are certain teams who have started well who are having a wobble now,” Ainsworth told BBC Sports.

“We're definitely not wobbling now. We started with a wobble but we're definitely learning and we're building.

“If we're keeping clean sheets every week then, by far, we'll be in the Championship [next season], so it's something to be proud of.”

On his part, Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan said the draw came at a good time after they had been frustrated by Stoke City.

“It was a very tough game and one with a lot of interruptions,” Ainsworth said.

“It was a game that was full of free-kicks but for us, it was important after our defeat [at Stoke] to keep a clean sheet.

“We created one clear chance, in the second half we didn't create many chances and that was because we were very focused on Wycombe's game.

“They had a lot of set-pieces and it's very difficult to play against but we continued to defend through it and it was very important for the team to get a point from this game.”

Ikpeazu missed Uganda’s November African Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Sudan due to an injury.

Nothing is ever as it seems for the campaign, as Raven Software brings a gripping single-player Campaign where players will come face-to-face with historical figures and hard truths, as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters, and more.

The single player campaign:

The single player campaign is set in the cold war era of Ronald Reagan, where the Democratic West is in conflict with the Communist Soviet bloc. Tensions are high as the 2 superpowers clash for resources and influence in regional battles like Vietnam & East Berlin.

A cunning and effective Russian mole agent code named Perseus, which some regard as myth, is the primary target of the elite black ops team. This powerful figure is rumored to be able to change the balance of the Cold War, so an elite group of operators are sent with the consent of the US President to go after them.

Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold campaign here

In the hunt to take down Perseus, you will be battling in conflict zones across the globe. Places includes Vietnam, East Berlin and other western cities with Perseus appearance.

Missions within the Campaign include a variety of differing playstyles, such as close quarter, stealth, all-out warfare, and long-range combat scenarios. There are also multiple difficulty options, which fit a wide scope of players from those new to the franchise (Recruit) to seasoned experts (Veteran) and hardcore players (Realism).

With nine core missions followed by two alternate endings, here is a full list of the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions:

COLD WAR MISSIONS 1 - NOWHERE LEFT TO RUN

President Ronald Reagan has authorised hits on two Iranian targets. After acquiring intel that they are residing in the Netherlands, Bell, Woods, Mason and co. are sent to the streets of Amsterdam where they intend to sweep their safe house and put a stop to their threatening behaviour. This mission does leave nowhere to run, but that doesn't mean that you can't drive...

COLD WAR MISSIONS 2 - FRACTURE JAW

Fracture Jaw gives us our first taste of the Viet Cong guerrilla warfare that was pivotal in the Cold War. In 1968, the CIA Orders Russell Adlers' SOG team to secure a valuable asset hidden in a Da Nang firebase, the former capital of the country. Plunging the team into the depths of Vietnam, you'll also get an overhead shot of the beautiful capital, albeit you'll be reigning fire on it from a chopper gunner.

COLD WAR MISSIONS 3 - BRICK IN THE WALL

The first stealth mission is introduced in Brick in the Wall. With a new stealth system implemented in the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions, Bell will be instructed to take down a Berlin-based Russian mobster by the name of Anton Volkov, who has heavy ties to Perseus. Make sure you're not seen as it’s kill or capture in Brick in the Wall.

MISSION 4 - RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT

The fourth mission sends the squad to a fourth country. This time, Woods and Bell infiltrate a secret facility in the Soviet Republic of Ukraine in search of intelligence about Perseus’ plans and whereabouts.

COLD WAR MISSIONS 5 - Echoes of the Cold War

From the gathered intel, Perseus has been found to be plundering an abandoned Yamantau base in search of information. With the squad heading to the mountains of Bashkortostan, Russia, soviet Major General Nikita Dragovich is left behind. Combining stealth with explosives, the only way out is by praying to the heavens.

COLD WAR MISSIONS - End of the Line

Perseus has taken one step forward in the nuclear warfare race and is threatening Europe. With the Soviet Union striking fear into Europe, the team heads to Cuba in order to commandeer the stolen Green Light nuke from Perseus. 

COLD WAR MISSIONS 8 - Break On Through

In need of more information, OP 40 deploys Bell to search a mysterious bunker deep in the jungles of Vietnam. Bell will have learnt from the best when it comes to searching her own mind, with the numbers expert Mason by her side. The bunker reveals more than just its components. Upon the search, you might want to keep an ear out for the undead... 

COLD WAR MISSIONS 9 - Identity Crisis

Mission 9 is the tipping point of all of the Black Ops Cold War campaign missions. After subjecting Bell to a dangerous interrogation, Russel Adler reveals the truth about Bell's past. Here you will have to trust your instincts and choose the fate of the world.

With this, the Black Ops Cold War campaign concludes, leaving scope to continue the storyline in either DLCs or when Treyarch takes the reigns again in two years time.