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Kenya legend Matthews Ottamax has revealed new Wazito FC coach Francis Kimanzi was not keen on working with him.

Goal reported a couple of days ago that the former Harambee Stars coach will serve as the new goalkeepers' coach at the club which was to be coached by Nicholas Muyoti who was the management's choice. The tactician, however, turned down the offer and everything started once again.

However, it was Samuel Koko, who had initially played for Zoo FC and Nairobi Stima, who was given the job.

"I was ready to join my new team and we had agreed on everything including the contract; actually I had signed," Ottamax told Goal on Thursday.

"Wazito Sporting Director [Stephen Otieno Ochiel] called me last week telling me things have changed and whether I had a problem working with Kimanzi. I told him we are on good terms.

"But later on [on Monday] the CEO [Dennis Gicheru] told me Kimanzi was not comfortable working with me, but since I had signed the contract, I will be deployed elsewhere."

The former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia goalkeeper went on to state how he felt after Kimanzi snub, but went on to state he is ready to work in another capacity.

"Of course I was psychologically prepared for my new role at the club and to be honest I felt bad," Ottamax continued.

"My chance will come, but right now I am waiting to see where I will be fixed at the club. Definitely, I am going to give everything to see the club do well in the forthcoming season."

On Thursday, Wazito FC unveiled Francis Kimanzi as their new coach ahead of the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign.

The immediate former Harambee Stars coach takes over from Ambani who was fired alongside his technical bench that included assistant coach Salim Babu and goalkeeper trainer Elias Otieno. 

At his new team, the 44-year-old will be assisted by John Kamau who is also an experienced coach.

"I am grateful and honoured to be here ... discussing the future of Wazito Football Club together with my able technical bench," Kimanzi said during his unveiling.

"It was not an easy decision, it was a tough one because of the culture of the club [which is] what I need as an individual.  

"I am very happy to have pulled together a good technical bench to help in achieving the objectives of Wazito FC. We will do it for sure; we have a mission and we must achieve it."

Alex Telles may not be Manchester United’s new David Beckham when it comes to delivery from the flanks, admits Denis Irwin, but a former Red Devils left-back is backing one of the present to start proving his worth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to add a buccaneering Brazilian defender to his ranks late on in the summer transfer window.

Telles was snapped up after recording 26 goals and 57 assists across four years at Porto.

He is a dual threat in a full-back berth, with those qualities taking on ever-greater importance in the modern era, and an opportunity may be opening up for the 27-year-old at Old Trafford.

Telles impressed as a wing-back during a Champions League outing against Paris Saint-Germain, but has suffered a bout of coronavirus since then and remained stuck on the sidelines.

Luke Shaw has, however, been ruled out with an untimely injury and the England international’s misfortune could play into the hands of a club colleague.

Irwin believes Telles is capable of making his mark in the Premier League, telling United’s official website of a player that boasts Beckham-esque ability in wide areas: “It's an opportunity for him now, with the games coming up, to get his foot in there.

“And sometimes it's through lack of injuries that you manage to hold down the place of the left-back position.

“I mean, we haven't seen him too much [from him] defensively wise, but the Premier League is a tough league and he's a full-back, so he'll have to be good defensively. But we've already seen his qualities going forward in that game in the 70 or so minutes he played.”

Irwin, who spent 12 years with United in his playing days, winning seven Premier League titles, added on Telles: “There's no doubt that, on set-pieces, he's going to be a huge asset to us in that respect.

“Also, I'm not going to compare him to David Beckham! But it looks like he's got a fantastic left foot that can whip a ball in with pace, which our strikers would love to get in at the end of.”

United, who collected a much-needed victory over Everton last time out to ease some of the pressure on Solskjaer, will be back in action on Saturday when they play host to West Brom.

Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi is refusing to read much into Kaizer Chiefs’ struggle for positive results as he warns his side of a possible upset against the Soweto giants they host in a Premier Soccer League match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.

Chiefs go into this match trying to recover from a run of three winless games, the last being an MTN8 semi-final, second leg 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates.

This is in contrast to Arrows who are yet to lose a match this season after two draws and a win.

With Chiefs struggling for positive results after going into the season without signing any new player, Ncikazi says they shouldn’t look at the Soweto giants with sympathising eyes. 

“They also have youngsters who are very capable‚” Ncikazi was quoted as saying by Times Live.

“I really don’t think that we must look at Chiefs and feel sorry. Maybe the transition from one coach to another needs time because every transition needs time.

“Soon coach Gavin Hunt will be very competitive and I just hope he doesn’t become competitive against Arrows this weekend. He must wait and then after that he can be competitive.”

The Arrows coach says that he senses “danger” from wounded Chiefs as he cautions his charges against complacency.

“What looks obvious is not obvious and for me I see danger‚" said Ncikazi

“Kaizer Chiefs is still a very good team because this is the same team that was leading with 13 points at some stage last season. It’s the same players and just a change of the coach. They still have players like Lebogang Manyama‚ Khama Billiat and many other national team players.

“So‚ I don’t want us to believe that what we are seeing at the moment is what is going to happen during our match on Saturday. Like I said‚ I see danger and we have to be very careful.

“But we will prepare very well like we always do because we will be playing against a very good team. My message to the players is to be cautious when we enter that pitch. Results might not have gone their way up to this stage but they are still a very good team.

“If you look at their right back‚ he is an international player‚ Daniel Akpeyi is an international player‚ ltumeleng Khune is still a very good goalkeeper and he is a Bafana Bafana [international].

“Daniel Cardso is of international standard‚ Bernard Parker is a former international player‚ Manyama is a Bafana Bafana player‚ Billiat is with the Zimbabwean national team‚ Samir Nurkovic unfortunately is injured and I am happy that he is not around.”

In the absence of Nurkovic, no Chiefs striker is yet to score a goal this season in all competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished the “bullsh*t” rumours suggesting that he is looking to put a reunion with Isco in place at Everton.

The Italian coach worked with a talented Spanish playmaker during a previous position at Real Madrid.

Isco is now struggling for regular game time at Santiago Bernabeu, with it suggested that the 28-year-old may open himself up to a transfer in January.

Ancelotti has seen his name thrown into the mix there, with there plenty of speculation to be found regarding a potential move to Merseyside for a proven performer with four Champions League winners’ medals to his name.

Everton would likely welcome the opportunity to add Isco to their midfield department alongside another former Blancos star, James Rodriguez, but their manager insists no plans have been drawn up at Goodison Park when it comes to winter recruitment.

Ancelotti told DIRECTV Sports Co when quizzed on the gossip: “It is not true that I am behind Isco.

“We haven’t started thinking about the team for the January market. So those comments are, as they say here, bullsh*t.”

Everton did pull off quite the coup when prising James away from Real Madrid over the summer.

The Colombia international made a bright start to life in England, with three goals and four assists recorded, but had started to fade a little prior to the November international break.

Ancelotti considers that to be normal given that slight knocks have been picked up in a physical Premier League.

He said: “James Rodriguez started very well. It is true that after playing against Liverpool he had problems because he had a blow and difficulty in recovering.

“He played a game where he had not trained well [against Southampton] and performance has dropped for this reason.”

Ancelotti added: “The quality of the player is not discussed; it has never been discussed either at Real Madrid or at Bayern Munich.

“I think that [with] these two teams, [he] had more difficulty because there is more competition in the team and, sometimes, it can happen that you don’t play.

“I think it’s more important for him to play than to train. In my opinion, he can have a good physical level if he plays - this is why he hasn’t played much at Real Madrid.

“Changing a team that has been successful is much more complicated.”

Pep Guardiola has reached an agreement with Manchester City to extend his stay at the Premier League club by an additional two years, with his new contract running until the summer of 2023.

The deal marks the Catalan coach's longest ever commitment made to a team during his managerial career, as he looks to add to the eight major trophies already won during his time with the Citizens.

The recent international break gave Guardiola and officials some downtime amid a hectic campaign to consider the future of the club and have come to an agreement that will surely delight City fans.

“Ever since I arrived at Manchester City I have been made to feel so welcome in the club and in the city itself - from the players, the staff, the supporters, the people of Manchester and the chairman and owner,” Guardiola said upon the deal's announcement.

“Since then we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all very proud of that success.

“Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have. I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence the owner, chairman, Ferran [Soriano] and Txiki [Begiristain] have shown in me to continue for two more years after this season.

“The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited about helping Manchester City do that.”

Club chairman Khaldoon Mubarak added: “It is testament to the qualities of the man that Pep Guardiola’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as [a] club.  

“That impact has been central to our success during his tenure and it is why I am delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.

“Pep’s contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years.  It is a product of the mutual trust and respect that exists between him and the entire club. It also goes to the stability and creativity at the heart of our football operations.  

“Importantly, it is a validation of the football structure and philosophy that has been built over more than a decade and to which he has contributed so much.

“I’m sure all City fans share my delight in this new agreement and in anticipating the exciting opportunities that, with continued hard work, are there to be taken.”

Jerome Boateng is not ready to give up on Bayern Munich just yet, but a man heading towards free agency in 2021 admits that a new challenge – potentially outside of Europe – does appeal to him.

The 32-year-old has spent all but one season of his distinguished playing career to date in his native Germany – with a brief stint at Manchester City the only anomaly on his impressive CV.

Having previously spent time with Hertha Berlin and Hamburg, Bayern took Boateng back to his homeland in 2011 when it became clear that an English adventure was over.

The World Cup winner has enjoyed considerable success during his time at the Allianz Arena, collecting Bundesliga and Champions League honours, with 333 appearances taken in across nine years.

Boateng is far from being finished, with there plenty of football left in him, but it may be that he embraces the opportunity to head away from a comfort zone next summer and spread his wings.

“As you have correctly stated, I am a person who loves to get to know new cities, new cultures and new people,” Boateng told Goal on his future plans.

“I’m actually not the type who likes to stay in one place for a long time. Accordingly, Paris, London, but also cities outside Europe are interesting for me.”

Boateng added, with Bild having recently reported that his contract at Bayern will not be extended: “I was surprised by the coverage and would have liked to have sat down beforehand. But now I don’t deal with it anymore.

“I have always said that I would like to get to know something different and take on a new challenge. I feel really good and in top shape and have delivered and performed in the last few months. That is also the feedback I get from Hansi Flick and my team-mates. That is the most important thing for me.

“My focus is 100 per cent on defending the five titles from last season with the club. When the day comes when we part ways, I will look back proudly on these years and many successes with this club. Not many footballers are allowed to experience something like this. At the same time, I look ahead full of motivation and look forward to what’s coming.”

Boateng is not the only high-profile performer to be edging towards the exits at Bayern, with David Alaba another of those to have entered the final year of his current contract.

Talks with the versatile Austrian regarding an extension have broken down, leading to him being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, but Boateng is reluctant to be drawn on what the future could hold for an ambitious colleague.

He said of the Alaba saga: “That is a very difficult subject. I do not know the details and therefore cannot comment.

“I know David is a great guy and a great footballer - and I can only say that his character is not shown correctly if he is portrayed as greedy for money in the news.”

For now, both Boateng and Alaba will continue to give their all to the Bayern cause for as long as their services are required, with Hansi Flick having united a star-studded camp since inheriting the managerial reins from Niko Kovac.

Boateng added on his boss: “Shortly after he took over, he said, ‘Jerome, I know what you can do. The most important thing is that you get fit’.

“In December he said it was my decision whether to go or stay. But he said that he would be happy if I stayed. Hansi Flick assured me that if I perform well, I’ll get the same opportunities as everyone else. That was enough for me.”

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has hailed the “exemplary” efforts of Marcus Rashford as the Manchester United forward joins him in the fight for social change.

During a testing time for the global population as a whole, a number of important issues have risen to the fore.

The Black Lives Matter movement continues to garner support from around the world, while the coronavirus pandemic has united those who want to see politicians do more for their respective nations.

Boateng is doing his bit on all fronts, with the World Cup winner helping food charity Munchner Tafel during the Covid-19 crisis.

He has told Goal of that work: “I had been in contact with Tafel employees for a long time because I wanted to help. It cannot be that people or entire families cannot afford food. So much food is thrown away, why is there no satisfactory concept that ensures that everyone has enough food?

“We athletes are also in demand in this regard. Marcus Rashford, for example, raised awareness of this issue and made people aware of child poverty in particular.”

Boateng added on United star Rashford, who has received an MBE for his free school meals campaign in England: “He is already very far for his age and is absolutely exemplary. One can only compliment him for his commitment.”

Rashford and Boateng have also been involved in the Black Lives Matter movement that continues to fight against all forms of racial prejudice.

There is still a lot of work to be done there, with U.S. president Donald Trump branding former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick – the man who started protests by taking a knee during the playing of the American national anthem – a “son of a bitch” back in 2017.

Boateng added on that cause and his anger at such statements made by prominent public figures: “That makes me sad and, if I’m honest, also a little angry. You think you’re in a bad movie from another era because the whole thing seems so unrealistic. It is the year 2020 and such statements are being made in a country that claims to be modern and open. That’s unbelievable.

“My children also hear about these incidents and talk about them at school. I don’t want my daughter to be scared of going or flying anywhere. Mainly because I actually remember the USA differently and I really appreciate the country and its culture.”

Professional athletes have often taken centre stage in the fight against racism, with star turns in the Bundesliga such as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Thuram displaying on-field shows of support.

Asked why sportspeople are taking on more of a political role in the modern era, Boateng said: “Mainly because in this case the events are so present. After all, many racist attacks were caught on camera. Such incidents may have been noticed in the past, but there was no concrete evidence. People looked the other way for a long time, probably out of fear. That has to stop!

“It is therefore important that we athletes raise our voices and take countermeasures. We are in public and are therefore more perceived than people who are less known. But all people should raise their voices and position themselves against racism.”

Boateng intends to remain at the forefront of that fight, with plans being pieced together for a new project in 2021.

“I’m going to start something next year,” said the 32-year-old World Cup winner.

“I can’t provide any detailed information about this yet, but something is definitely planned. In addition to the racism issue, we have been concerned with the global corona pandemic for several months.

“The topic is omnipresent. As a father of school-age children, in particular, you notice a lot. The whole thing has grown to unbelievable proportions, the numbers are rising again. I hope, of course, that we can get back to normal soon.”

On the eve of the match ATK Mohun Bagan's season opener against Kerala Blasters coach Antonio Habas took a dig at his opposite number Kibu Vicuna, reminding him that although the latter has won the I-League with Mohun Bagan, the Indian Super League (ISL) is a different ball game altogether. 

Vicuna guided Mohun Bagan to their fifth domestic league title last season but since the club merged with ATK to form ATK Mohun Bagan, there was no room for the manager in the new set up and he jumped ship to Kerala Blasters.  

“Kibu Vicuna did good work in Mohun Bagan. But this year it is a different competition and different season. I have the utmost respect for him but on Friday we will try to get three points as we work every day for that," stated the two-time ISL winner. 

The Mariners face Kerala Blasters and their arch-rivals East Bengal in their first two matches of the season. But Habas is not concerned that his boys have to lock horns against two formidable opponents at the start. 

“It is a competition and we have to play all the teams at some point in time. For me, there is no difference. It is the same.”

Every ISL club barring ATK Mohun Bagan have played at least one pre-season friendly game this year. In fact, Blasters have played two matches as part of their preparations.  However, Habas has his own reasons for not playing any preparatory game against an ISL team.

“We didn't consider it necessary to play friendlies in pre-season because this is a different and special pre-season. I think it is more difficult to play against your own teammates than other opponents. The friendly match this season did not have the proper conditions to play. There would have no referees and we had to play on the training pitch. Therefore it was better to play amongst us,” said the Spanish coach. 

The former Las Palmas coach is satisfied with the squad he has at his disposal and suggested that his sole target this year will be to win the league and get success in the AFC Cup.

“We have a very good squad. In this situation, it is very important to have a good squad. We need rotation in this season more than any other season. Roy (Krishna) and (David) Williams are as important as any other player in the team.  I am very happy with the new additions. They all want to win. They have a good attitude.

“I have the same ambition i.e. to build a competitive team and get success, first in ISL and then in any other international competition.”

As far as team selection is concerned Habas played his cards close to his chest and did not give away whether star acquisition Sandesh Jhingan will take the field against his former team Kerala Blasters in the season opener. 

“Sandesh (Jhingan) has the same chance to feature in the eleven as other players. He has not played for a long time and other players also haven't played for around six-seven months. The chances are equal.”

He also refused to tag themselves as favourites going into the new season and suggested that the focus of the team is to take small steps. 

“I think we can call ourselves favourites in March-April. Right now we have to keep our heads down and work hard in every match to get the three points,” said the Spaniard.

Manchester United will be wishing they had made a move for Jack Grealish over the summer, claims Paul Ince, with the Aston Villa and England star delivering “sensational” form for club and country.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with the 25-year-old playmaker during the last transfer window.

Speculation was sparked long before an opportunity to make a move presented itself, with United said to have been mulling over an approach for some time.

Tottenham have also been long-standing admirers of Grealish , with efforts to snap him up having been rebuffed before he burst back onto a Premier League stage at Villa.

Ince believes those in north London and the North West will be regretting decisions not to push harder for a deal, with a player drawing obvious comparisons to Paul Gascoigne proving that he can compete with the domestic and international elite.

Former United midfielder Ince told the Gary Newbon Sports Show : “I don't like it when people parallel you with someone else but I know people will. I know Bryan Robson said something the other day about Gazza and Jack Grealish, I mean Jack has done well and to be fair he has been brilliant for Villa. 

“When Villa nearly went down last season I thought he was going to move on to another club, I know Tottenham were keen to take him and Manchester United. I bet they wish they took him now because he's been absolutely sensational. 

“Jack's his own player, he's grown into his game, the way he carries the ball, he's got great balance. Does it remind me of Gazza? Yes and no, I wouldn't like to compare the two.

“You're right that Jack's got a long way to go but he certainly looks that type of player, the way he sets people up and he's got two good feet and he's got great balance and a great touch but he's got a long way to go before we start connecting him with Paul Gascoigne that's for sure.

“Gazza could control a game and dictate a game. He would play a game at his own pace and he would decide whether to be in gear one, two, three, four or five and I think you do see that with Jack Grealish at times, he will decide when he needs to step up a gear and he will be get better as he gets older, but the thing is with Gazza, people would man mark him or double mark him and it wouldn't be a problem. 

“Eventually people will look at Jack Grealish and see him as a threat in the England team and it's how he deals with that.”

Ince added: “The only thing about Jack is I wish he'd stay on his feet a bit more that's the only kind of negative thing I'd say about Jack because sometimes he gets a touch and he goes flying.

“The amount of tackles Gazza used to ride, people used to kick him and trip his feet and I would love to see Jack do that a bit more. That's the only thing, apart from that Jack is a wonderful player and it's amazing how long it took him to get into the England side, at times he couldn't even get in the squad but now he's a regular and doing really well.”

Wilfred Ndidi has returned to full training following an abductor injury, in a boost for Leicester City and manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Nigeria international has been out of action after suffering a knock in the Foxes’ 4-2 defeat to Burnley in a Premier League game in September.

Before his injury, the midfielder had been drafted into central defence so far in the 2020-21 campaign following the unavailability of Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Filip Benkovic.

However, he has resumed training and it means he could feature in Leicester’s Premier League match this weekend, away to Jurgen Klopp’s men on Sunday, although Rodgers may want to protect the 23-year-old to build his fitness.

In the absence of Ndidi, Nampalys Mendy has fitted in perfectly into the Foxes squad and that drew commendation from Rodgers.

“He is performing to the level the club wanted when they brought him in,” the Northern Irish tactician told the club website.

“He's a defensive midfield player, tactically very good, understands the role, and does a lot of dirty work for the team. 

“Of course, before he’s played with Wilf [Ndidi], who’s something similar beside him and it’s probably where both of those players need someone creative beside them.

“I think because of Wilf’s form, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been so consistent, Wilf, and it's been difficult for Papy to play but it really shows you the mark of the guy – how well he has trained, how concentrated he has been. He never lost his focus and was always there if an opportunity came to give his very best.

“Now, what you’re seeing is a player that is getting a consistent run of games, and he’s really showing the quality player he is. I have been delighted with Papy. He gives the team stability with his experience and understanding of football and how we work. He has been crucial to how we play.”

The Foxes, who have won their last six games across all competitions have a packed schedule of English top-flight games as well as the Europa League to deal with, and will need key first-team members such as Ndidi fit and available for big fixtures coming in quick succession.

After eight English top-flight games, the King Power Stadium giants lead the log having accrued 18 points, while Klopp’s men are ranked third with one point less.

Lionel Messi is likely to stay at Barcelona beyond the summer of 2021, claims Carles Rexach, with the Argentine being backed to remain at Camp Nou before following the lead of former team-mate Xavi and heading for Qatar.

It appeared at one stage over the summer as though a six-time Ballon d’Or winner was destined to head out of Catalunya.

Having grown disillusioned with life at inconsistent Barca, Messi stated a desire to take on a new challenge.

That path was blocked, as the Blaugrana battled to keep a talismanic presence on their books, and a contract through to the end of the current campaign will be honoured.

It remains to be seen what will happen at that point, with Messi currently in a position where he will be able to speak with suitors from January.

The 33-year-old has not been giving out the most encouraging of signs for Barca, with the South American telling reporters that he is “tired of always being blamed for everything” when returning from international duty to be faced with a barrage of questions regarding his working relationship with Antoine Griezmann.

Rexach admits that Messi has been making some questionable decisions off the field, with his push for a move elsewhere stunning the football world, but he believes an all-time great will eventually commit to fresh terms.

The former Barca coach told Radio Marca: “Thanks to God, he's been the solution to Barcelona's problems.

“For me, he didn't do the right thing with the burofax, I have to say, although I'm pro-Messi all the way. That hasn't benefitted anyone.

“I think he'll stay at Barcelona if he doesn't decide to play at another level, like leaving for Qatar, for example.”

Messi is yet to be linked with any sides in the Middle East, with the likes of Manchester City and Inter considered to be leading any chase for his signature.

There is, however, previous when it comes to Blaugrana legends heading to Qatar, with World Cup winner Xavi – who is now manager of Al Sadd – treading that path in 2015 as he brought a 24-year association with Barca to a close.

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has admitted his side has not been potent upfront as he prepares for Saturday’s Premier Soccer League clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

The Tshwane giants face a Pirates side that is yet to be beaten this season with two league draws and a win, as well as booking a place in the final of the MTN8 after back-to-back victories over old foes Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates' form has left Tembo tipping them to clinch the league title this season as the Soweto giants seek to end an eight-year drought for the championship.

“It is not easy to prepare for a big game without a full squad. We will have one day of preparation for such a big game. They [Orlando Pirates] have a great squad, and I think that they are the favourites to win the league title this season," said Tembo as per Sowetan Live.

"They have Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto and Terrence Dzvukamanja, and many quality players. They have not lost a game and are in the MTN8 Cup final. They are high on confidence.”

SuperSport are going into this match on the backdrop of elimination from the MTN8 by Bloemfontein Celtic and Tembo has demanded that his attackers become prolific.

“The [international] break came at the right time. The goals seem to have dried up, and we needed more time to work on that,” Tembo said.

“I expect a sharp SuperSport against Pirates. We are not scoring goals and not creating enough chances. We have been working on scoring goals in a couple of friendly matches.”

SuperSport have managed four goals from three league matches this season, and have won two games while losing to Golden Arrows.

Tembo welcomes back players who were doing national team duty with their respective national teams, hoping they return uninjured including Kuda Mahachi who was with Zimbabwe together with Teboho Mokoena and Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.

“We got players from Bafana, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the South Africa under-23. We will have a full squad tomorrow [Thursday], and I hope no one got injured,” Tembo said.

Midfielder Sipho Mbule is back from injury while it is not yet clear if forward Bradley Grobler has recovered from a knock which saw him withdraw from the Bafana Bafana camp last week.

Meanwhile, Pirates could be welcoming back chief striker Frank Mhango from injury.

Tanzania head coach Etienne Ndayiragije has explained why Tanzania did not manage to beat Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday.

Taifa Stars picked up a point from a 1-1 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Thursday after they had lost 1-0 in the first encounter in November on Friday.

The Burundian coach has now explained how a lack of training days affected his plans and, therefore, saw them fail to pick up more points from the former African champions.

“We did not have enough time to train,” Ndayiragijje told IPP media.

“We trained for one day at home and for three days in Turkey. In all the training, I did not have all the players at the same time as some were still with their respective clubs.”

Tanzania will now have to win their remaining two matches and hope Equatorial Guinea lose in Tunis against the Carthage Eagles if they have to seal another Afcon slot.

However, the coach has explained how they can only be assured of a win against the two remaining rivals in Group J.

“If we can play well we can win and qualify. We have one game at home and another away,” Ndayiragije added.

The head coach explained why he featured Adam Adam in the crucial home tie that was attended by a fairly huge crowd after Caf agreed to the Tanzanian government's request to allow stadium attendance.

“I handed [Adam] Adam playtime so that he can get the necessary experience especially at the international stage,” he concluded.

Ndayiragije had to play Tunisia without their key striker and captain Mbwana Samatta was injured turning out for Fernabhce before the international break.

Currently, they are third with four points below Tunisia who have 10 points and Equatorial Guinea who have six points.

Libya, who have been forced to host their matches away from home, are at the bottom with just three points.

Tanzania are searching for a second straight Afcon qualification after participating in the previous edition where they were eliminated at the group stage without a win.

The participation in the Egypt competition was their first after they had missed out on the continental podium for 39 years.

Eddie Nketiah needs to “get angry” and wrestle a regular starting berth at Arsenal away from Alexandre Lacazette, says Ian Wright.

Mikel Arteta has continued to favour the France international forward in his No.9 position this season.

Lacazette rewarded that show of faith with three goals through as many appearances at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, but has gone six games without finding the target since then.

His inconsistent form is mirroring that of the Gunners, with Arteta still searching for a formula that allows potential to become something more tangible at Emirates Stadium.

Wright believes that tinkering with his attacking unit could aid that cause, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having also looked a little out of sorts this term.

Nketiah, who has continued to star as a record-setting marksman for England’s U21 side, is seemingly next in the striking pecking order.

The 21-year-old has been urged to start forcing his way into his manager’s thoughts, with a door to regular game time being left open as Lacazette struggles to find a spark.

An Arsenal icon told his Wrighty’s House Podcast: “Reiss Nelson… what’s going to happen with Reiss Nelson? You have to be worried about Reiss and, to a certain extent, Eddie as well.

“We talked about Laca and people are talking about Laca’s got to be taken out. Maybe for just for himself, just to have a rest.

“Eddie now should be looking at what Laca does, why Laca’s in the team, why Laca’s being picked over him even though he’s not scoring. And he’s got to start learning about the progression of himself.

“Because by now, with the goals that we know he’s capable of scoring because he can get in the box and he can finish, he should be adding those other things to his game to be putting a bit more pressure on Laca, with all due respect to Laca.”

Wright, who hit 185 goals for Arsenal during his time in north London, added on academy graduate Nketiah: “He should have forced himself by now, especially with Laca.

“If he had gone on loan at the start of the season and Laca’s in the form he’s in, people would probably be saying, ‘What did you sent Eddie out on loan for? He should be there!’

“The fact is, if I had to speak to Eddie, I’d be saying, ‘Listen, I don’t know if you’ve recognised it but your opportunity is right now. As a No.9, if you want to play that role, it’s now’.

“Because you’ve got a No.9 at the moment who has low confidence, he brings so much to the team, but at the same time, if the manager has somebody that is a goal threat and doing that pretty well, he’d probably play you.

“He needs to get angry.”

Nketiah has taken in 14 appearances this season, hitting three goals, but only one of those outings has been from the start in a Premier League fixture.

Roberto Firmino remains “a really important player for Liverpool”, says Kenny Dalglish, with the Reds legend claiming to have no concerns over the striker's lack of goals.

Questions have been asked of whether a man who has been the Reds’ go-to option in a No.9 berth for several years deserves to keep his place as alternative options hit form.

Diogo Jota has been a revelation at Anfield following his summer arrival from Wolves, with the Portugal international hitting seven goals through 11 appearances.

Firmino has mustered just one through 12 outings, with end product from the South American having been in short supply for some time now.

Dalglish concedes that Jota has presented Jurgen Klopp with a welcome selection headache, with the German tactician favouring a front four for a trip to Manchester City, but believes there is still a prominent role for Firmino to play heading forward.

The Reds icon told the Liverpool Echo: “For Diogo to come in and score as freely as he has done and to make such an impact, not always having played the full game, will do him a world of good.

“The belief he'll have in himself and the confidence supporters will have in him, too.

“It's important when someone comes in and settles straight away, for the player and the club, just look at the contribution he has made.

“I'm not particularly concerned about Firmino. Bobby is a great player with a great touch and gets through an awful lot of work.

“He compliments Mo [Salah] and Sadio [Mane] when the three of them play together, and obviously the four of them played together at City and were really good together.

“Bobby is a really important player for Liverpool.”

Dalglish added on Liverpool’s ability to tinker with an attacking unit that has been so settled over recent seasons: “It's great to have choice and that is what Jurgen has got.

“Some games he might play all four of them, like he did at Manchester City, but some games he might have to play three or choose to play two - if he wants to change the personnel.

“It's like he's got a crystal ball he gets that many decisions right, so I'm sure there'll be more decisions he gets right over the forwards.

“It is a great position to be in and to have those players, just imagine you're playing against them - it's not the forwards that have to worry, it's the defenders.”

Defending Premier League champions Liverpool will return to domestic action on Sunday when they take in a home date with table-topping Leicester.

New Tusker FC signing Wellington Ochieng' has stated he is proud and ready for the challenge at the Ruaraka-based side.

The 11-time champions roped in the player from rivals Gor Mahia in preparation for the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League. The versatile player is now focused on helping the Robert Matano-led side to perform well in the top-tier.

"I am so happy for this new challenge in my career and am proud to defend this amazing shirt," Ochieng' posted on his official Facebook account.

"Thank you for your welcome messages. Let us go Brewers."

Ochieng' has been part of the K'Ogalo side that has won back to back league titles as well as represented the nation in the Confederation of African (Caf) assignments.

The defender was the third player the Ruaraka-based side signed in the recently closed transfer window. It started with experienced centre-back Eugene Asike extending his stay at the club by one year. Goalkeeper Robert Mboya also extended his stay at the club by another season as well. 

Christopher Oruchum was the first signing for the former champions from the 13-time champions AFC Leopards.

"One of the things that motivated me to sign for Tusker is that Tusker is one of the biggest clubs in Kenya whereby we stand a chance to be exposed to big teams in Africa and outside the country," the defender said after completing the move.

"Having joined a team that was high-flying the previous season, I hope and pray that I will also add something and also help the team to achieve more than they achieved last season. 

"There was a time I was really close to signing for Tusker when I was at Thika United but the deal did not materialize then I ended up going to AFC Leopards, then from there I have the chance again of joining this great club, which I have longed to play for." 

Kevin Monyi is another player who has been signed by the Brewers on a two-year contract as well.

Monyi came to help strengthen the whole playing unit for the local heavyweights, who last won a trophy four seasons ago.

Since then they have been chasing the league trophy unsuccessfully as Gor Mahia have won them in subsequent seasons, and have sparingly participated in the domestic cup tournament.

Egypt football legend Essam El Hadary has revealed he would not be coming out of retirement.

The goalkeeping great called time on his illustrious career after a short stint with former Egyptian Premier League side Nogoom FC.

Over the past week, reports in the media suggested the 47-year-old would return to the beautiful game to represent Egyptian fourth-tier side ZED FC.

However, El-Hadary in a series of tweets maintained that he has officially hung up his gloves and is now focused on coaching.

“I won’t join any club and all these rumours are completely false. I took many courses in Europe and trial periods with some world-class teams. And now, thanks to your support, I’m ready to start my coaching career,” the former Al Ahly, Sion and Zamalek goalkeeper tweeted.

“I want to thank my fellow teammates, whom I shared the pitch with throughout the generations. I also would like to thank every coach I’ve worked with as well as the administration and medical staff.

“And to all the workers, whom I consider brothers, who helped me throughout my career. And a special thanks to my country, Egypt. I hope to one day to close the curtain on my footballing career and look back with no regrets.”

El Hadary began his professional career in 1993 with Damietta, but he is perhaps best known for his 12-year spell at Al Ahly between 1996 and 2008, during which time he won 21 titles.

On the international scene, he was handed his debut in 1996 and went on to feature in 159 games, winning four Africa Cup of Nations titles, but was denied a fifth in 2017 following Cameroon’s triumph in Gabon.

The veteran appeared five times in qualifying and, at the age of 45, made his Fifa World Cup debut in Volgograd, and he soon grabbed the headlines for on-pitch reasons.

With the score at 1-0 after Mohamed Salah's opening goal, a penalty was awarded for Saudi Arabia. El Hadary, though, would not be beaten, and made a truly brilliant save, tipping Fahad Al Mulwallad's spot-kick onto the bar.

Unfortunately for the veteran stopper, another penalty was awarded before half-time, with Salman Al-Faraj stepping up to score and sending the two sides into the interval level at 1-1.

The seventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to kick-off on Friday and Sourav Ganguly, who is the co-owner of ATK Mohun Bagan, has earmarked the date of the first Kolkata derby in his diary.

East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have made it into the ISL this season and the derby is scheduled for November 27th.

The former India cricket captain hopes that ATK Mohun Bagan have a great season and has backed coach Antonio Habas to do well given that he has already won two titles for the erstwhile ATK.

“Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are huge additions. They have a great fan following. The Salt Lake stadium goes berserk every time they play. It's electric to have 100000 people. I have played Test matches with 125000 people in the stadium while beating Australia at the Eden Gardens. 

“I hope we have a good season. I am a big fan of our coach. He has a lot of say in ATK Mohun Bagan. He has won us the title on a couple of occasions, and I hope we win this season as well. I have my eyes on the Kolkata derby. Hope we will win that day,” said Ganguly in an ISL Instagram chat on Thursday.

Ganguly also shared his thoughts on the importance of the Kolkata derby which will be played in the ISL for the very first time.

“It is a festival on the day of the derby. I used to go with my father at the Eden Gardens to watch the derby. The city used to be engrossed with the game. Not one seat used to be empty. The excitement and attachment of the people were unbelievable. The games off the pitch start 48 hours ago. The reactions at the end are priceless. Life comes to an end if the club loses.  Passion and attachment define Kolkata football,” said Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President.

Arsenal should be willing to ignore Christian Eriksen’s strong ties to arch-rivals Tottenham if an opportunity to prise the Danish playmaker away from Inter presents itself, says Kevin Campbell.

It has been suggested that a player who only left north London back in January 2020 could soon be heading back to familiar surroundings.

Eriksen, who pushed hard for a move away from Spurs in the last winter transfer window, has seen an Italian dream turn into something of a nightmare.

He has struggled for form throughout a testing spell at San Siro that has been broken up by a coronavirus-enforced lockdown and fierce competition for places in Milan.

The 28-year-old has admitted that he may need to cut his spell at Inter short after just 12 months on their books.

Eriksen has told TV2: “This isn’t what I dreamed of. All players want to play as much as possible, but the coach decides who gets to go on the pitch.

“It is a strange situation, as the fans want to see me playing more and so would I, but the coach has different ideas and as a player I have to respect that.”

It has been suggested that Arsenal could be offered the chance to take Eriksen back to English football, with a swap deal involving Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka being mooted.

Campbell believes the Gunners should be pushing for that deal to be put in place, despite a former rival having previously taken in 305 appearances for their north London neighbours.

“Eriksen played for the rivals but we all know the quality he possesses, that is for sure,” ex-Arsenal striker Campbell told Football Insider.

“It is not quite working out for him at Inter right now and I am sure he would be a good addition to Arsenal’s squad.

“I do not care if he played for Spurs – he is a superb player who can bring something to the table for Arsenal.

“I would not mind it if we swapped Eriksen for Xhaka. The key is building and fattening that squad up to challenge and you can never have enough quality players.”