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The Tottenham Lineup That Should Start Against Ludogorets Razgrad

The former Gunners frontman believes Mikel Arteta will look to upgrade his striking options in upcoming windows, with French forwards in his thoughts

Arsenal should be rekindling their interest in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, says Kevin Campbell, with Alexandre Lacazette now “the wrong side of 30” and open to a possible upgrade.

Mikel Arteta does have plenty of firepower at his disposal in 2020-21, with France international Lacazette a proven performer at the highest level and having already scored three Premier League goals this season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is very much the main man for Arsenal in the final third of the field, and the Gabonese has been tied to a lucrative new contract.

Eddie Nketiah is then one for the present and future, with England’s all-time leading scorer at U21 level having shown that he can mix it on a senior stage.

The Gunners have, however, seen market moves mooted in recent windows.

Celtic star Edouard was said to be a top target for Arteta over the summer, as rumours suggested that Lacazette could be heading for the exits at Emirates Stadium.

No deal was done, but further opportunities are about to present themselves.

Campbell believes Arsenal need to be exploring the option of acquiring Edouard, who has once again seen Celtic miss out on a place in the Champions League group stage, with the 22-year-old having shown in Scotland that he is ready for another step up the footballing ladder.

“There was talk of a move to Arsenal,” former Gunners striker Campbell told Football Insider of Edouard, who has netted 68 times through 137 appearances for Celtic.

“They have been utilising Aubameyang from the left and Lacazette is the one that Edouard could come in for.

“Lacazette is the wrong side of 30 now. That move may still happen because Edouard is a really talented player.

“He is a natural goalscorer who is very cute around the box. A player that would be a great addition to anybody but for now he is at a huge club in Celtic.

“He is the top man there and I see him staying there at least until next summer.

"If Celtic get 10 [titles in a row] they might move and shake a little bit.”

Atletico Madrid and Juventus were both linked with Lacazette in the last window, but they ended up acquiring Luis Suarez and Alvaro Morata respectively and interest in the France international may have to come from elsewhere if Arsenal are to seek out a buyer.

Original author: Chris Burton
  75 Hits

'He grabs my face' - Mount on first encounter with future Chelsea team-mate Havertz

The South African tactician warned her side against taking anything for granted against the Super Falcons on Friday

South Africa women's team head coach Desiree Ellis is wary of Eswatini ahead of their clash in the Cosafa Women's Cup on Friday.

The two teams are set to meet in a Group A encounter at Wolfson Stadium in what will be their second game of the tournament.

Banyana Banyana enjoyed a winning start to their title defence, with a 2-0 win over Angola as they will be playing for the first time, against the Super Falcons in the competition's history.

However, the Banyana legend is expecting a tough Super Falcons side, who had recorded a bright start, with a 4-2 win over Comoros.

“We had a good start against Angola and now we are on to the next match which is Eswatini," Ellis told Safa.net.

"They also had a very good comeback against Comoros and they showed that they have the resilience and staying power. 

"They love to shoot from afar and with their long-distance shooting, they proved that they can be a threat. 

"We have to, once again, be on top of our game and make sure that we execute our plans really well and if we do that we should get a positive result."

Ellis will be eyeing another group stage win to claim the top spot in Group A in the encounter scheduled to kick-off at 15:30 CAT.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  61 Hits

Boris Johnson confirms UK offer to host Euro 2020 & backs World Cup 2030 bid

The midfielder is hopeful that FC Goa will do well both in AFC and in ISL...

Brandon Fernandes will most certainly have a senior role to play in the FC Goa midfield along with Edu Bedia in the upcoming season of Indian Super League (ISL).

He was in fine form for Goa as well as for the Indian national team in the previous season which has seen his stock rise. He scored twice and notched seven assists (most by an Indian) for the Gaurs in his 17 appearances in 2019-20. He made more than two key passes in each match which further substantiates his influence in the attacking third.

But Fernandes has made it clear that he is not looking for individual glory but his target will be to build on the performances from the previous year for his team which has new look about it under coach Juan Ferrando. 

"This year, the ultimate goal is to do better than last season. I would like to better my numbers from last season. I don't have aspirations for personal awards. Most important thing is to do the best and give the best for the team. Last year was good for us and I had good understanding with my teammates. This season, it is not going to be different. As we train more we connect with the new players, and we still have a good understanding with the previous players. There will be a lot of positive things that we will see on the pitch," stated the India international. 

FC Goa will be playing quite a few of their home matches at their usual stomping ground i.e. the Fatorda stadium. Tilak Stadium in Vasco, GMC stadium in Bambolim and Fatorda are the three venues for the centralised tournament in Goa this time around. 

Fernandes feels that playing at Fatorda will give FC Goa an edge over other teams who will have to find their feet in their adopted home. 

"We (FC Goa) have been playing our matches at Fatorda in the past six seasons. We are familiar with the ground. It is going to be a bit of advantage but it is going to be tough as all the teams want to compete and it is going to be all about the given day - if you perform well, you will get the results."

The 26-year-old revealed that he has been in touch with India coach Igor Stimac during the lockdown and is looking at ISL as a platform to keep himself fit for international matches that will resume later in 2021. 

FC Goa is set to represent India in the AFC Champions League group stage courtesy of winning the ISL shield in the 2019-20 season. This presents a unique opportunity for Fernandes to rub shoulders with the best in Asia and he believes that under coach Juan Ferrando's guidance Goa can do well both in ISL and in AFC. 

"This year is going to be a challenge. We have two important competitions in ISL and AFC. We will try to do our best. We don't know about results. But we have to work as a team and get (positive) results. Every coach is different. Coach Juan has introduced a lot of tactical elements. In terms of style, we have not changed a lot. So we will be looking strong this season," signed off the former Churchill Brothers player. 

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha
  62 Hits

Neymar: I was celebrating, not mocking Kimmich

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi player admits they were affected by the two defeats they suffered in the league but are ready for the derby

Simba SC midfielder Jonas Mkude has revealed the back-to-back defeats the team suffered in the Mainland Premier League affected the morale of the players in camp.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi suffered two consecutive defeats – 1-0 against Tanzania Prisons and then by the same scoreline against Ruvu Shooting – but recovered to beat Mwadui FC 5-0.

The two defeats saw Simba become the first team among the top three to lose back-to-back games in the current season.

Mkude has now claimed to lose the two matches left the team's players affected and even their morale dropped because they were not expecting to lose twice in succession.

“To be honest, we did not anticipate to lose two matches in a row, it was not in our plans because we knew we have a strong squad, but losing the way we did somehow affected most of the players,” Mkude is quoted by Sokaletu.

“We really asked ourselves questions, we really felt hurt because we knew we had planned to win the matches but instead we lost, we got a very different result from what we had expected to get but now we have to forget about the past and plan for the future.

“We have the derby coming up against Yanga and we want to win, we want to do it for the fans, we must make sure that they are happy, we are ready to make them happy.”

Simba are now third on the 18-team league table after amassing 19 points, while Azam FC, who are topping the chart, have 25 points and second-placed Yanga have 23 points.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) have confirmed the names of the officials who will be in charge of the derby at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

The officials will be led by Elly Sasii, Mohamed Mkono, Abdallah Mwinyimkuu, Abubakar Mturo, Ramadhan Kayoko, Philipo Alando and Paschal Chiganga.

On Wednesday, TPLB CEO Almas Kasongo confirmed the derby will have two extra referees to make sure that all the teams and both sets of fans are satisfied with the outcome at the end of the whistle.

“We have added two extra referees for the derby, so we will have six referees in total to officiate the match on Saturday,” Kasongo told Goal on Wednesday.

“The two extra referees will be at the end of both sides of the goal-posts like it happens in Europe, and they will assist the centre referee and also the two assistants, plus the match commissioner making it six officials for the match.

“We have also made sure that security will be provided during and after the derby so we want to urge as many fans as possible to come for the match, it is the first derby of the season and we hope to see a good match.”

Last season, the two giants met three times, with the first round ending in a 2-2 draw before Yanga turned on the screw to win the second round fixture 1-0, but they again faced off in the semi-finals of the FA Cup where Simba won 4-1.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  61 Hits

City held to frustrating home draw by West Brom

The African football governing body discussed safety protocols with security officers before international football resumes on the continent next week

Ahead of the resumption of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has released guidelines to its member associations which would help boost safety and security protocols before and during matches.

A video-conference chaired by the head of Caf Safety and Security Department, Dr Christian Emeruwa, was held on Wednesday and it had 60 security officers including National Safety and Security Officers (NSSO) of member associations, and Caf safety and security officers in attendance.

After almost a year since the last round of the Afcon qualifiers, the qualification stage for Cameroon 2021 will resume on November 9 through to November 17 but fans will not be allowed in the stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The talking points of Wednesday’s meeting were the organisation of matches behind closed doors and without spectators, the new accreditation control mechanism and new accreditation zone, the differences between upcoming matches and previous ones, and the need for each member association to have a good safety and security plan before official games.

"Our goal is to ensure that there is uniformity in safety and security operations across Africa with an emphasis on making sure that the matches are played under a safe and secured environment,” Emeruwa said.

“We are mindful of the enormous task ahead, especially how to keep spectators and supporters away from the stadium. Hence, we felt the need to guide all National safety and security officers and appointed Caf safety and security officers on best practices under these conditions.

“The protection of the players and officials before, during, and after the match is of great importance in our operations.

"We need to ensure effective coordination between safety and security officers and all other health officers that will be involved in delivering each match.”

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  58 Hits

Chelsea target Sule and Upamecano as Tuchel eyes big centre-back signing

This year's game has new buttons for agile dribbling and off-the-ball runs while attacking as well as improvements in defending and tackling

Anyone who has played a FIFA game in recent years probably has gotten to grips with the basic controls by now, but even long-term fans of the game might not know every single move in FIFA 21.

Additionally, new controls such as Player Lock and improved off-the-ball movement have been added to FIFA 21, giving you greater control over your players.

People who move over to FIFA 21 from Pro Evolution Soccer might also take a while to get to grips with the controls, but you can change the button assignments from "Classic" to "Alternate" in the settings to make the shoot button the same on both games.

If you have a PlayStation or Xbox controller, you can use this to play FIFA 21 on PC and the controls will be the same as on the console.

To use your PlayStation controller on PC, you will need to install a small program called DS4Windows, while all you need to do to use your Xbox controller is to plug it into your PC USB port and it will install automatically.

FIFA 21: Movement Controls

FIFA 21 uses the same movement controls as previous versions but has added Agile Dribbling as one of the main gameplay improvements from last season.

Command PlayStation Xbox
Move Player L L
Sprint Hold R2 Hold RT
Shield / Jockey Hold L2 Hold LT
First Touch / Knock-On R2 + R RT + R
Stop and Face Goal Let go of L, L1 Let go of L, LB
Face Up Dribbling L2 + R2 LT + RT
Strafe Dribble L1+ L LB+ L
Stop Ball Let go of L, R2 Let go of L, RT
Jostle (Ball In Air) L2 LT

FIFA 21: Attacking Controls

Player Lock and new player run options have been added in FIFA 21, giving you greater control over your team-mates when in possession.

Command PlayStation Xbox
Ground Pass / Header X A
Lob Pass / Cross / Header Square X
Through Pass Triangle Y
Shoot / Volley / Header Circle B
Timed Finishing Circle, Circle B, B
Chip Shot L1 + Circle LB + B
Finesse Shot R1 + Circle RB + B
Low Shot / Downward Header L1 + R1 + Circle LB + RB + B
Fake Shot Circle then X + Direction B then A + Direction
Fake Pass Square then X + Direction X then A + Direction
Threaded Through Pass R1 + Triangle RB + Y
Protect Ball L2 LT
Driven Ground Pass R1 + X RB + A
Lofted Ground Pass X + X A + A
Lofted Through Pass Triangle, Triangle Y, Y
Lobbed Through Pass L1 + Triangle LB + Y
Driven Lobbed Through Pass L1 + R1 + Triangle LB + RB + Y
Driven Lob Pass/ Driven Cross R1 + Square RB + X
High Lob / High Cross L1 + Square LB + X
Ground Cross Square, Square X, X
Whipped Cross L1 + R1 + Square LB + RB + X
Driven Ground Cross R1 + Square, Square RB + X, X
Trigger Run L1 LB
Call for Support R1 RB
Dummy Hold R1 Hold RB
Cancel L2 + R2 LT + RT
Flair Pass L2 + X LT + A
Flair Shot L2 + Circle LT + B
Flair Lob L2 + Square LT + X
Flick Up For Volley R3 R3
Pass and Go L1 + X LB + A
Directional Runs L1 + Flick R LB + Flick R
Player Lock L3 + R3 L3 + R3
Player Lock Switching Flick L Fllick L
Super Cancel L1 + R1 + L2 + R2 LB + RB + LT + RT
Cancel Advantage L2 + R2 LT + RT

FIFA 21: Defending Controls

Defending has not really changed in FIFA 21, but the new Natural Collisions improvements mean that defensive controls are more responsive this year, with a well-timed standing tackle more effective in this year's game.

Command PlayStation Xbox
Switch Player L1 LB
Manual Switch Player Flick R Flick R
Tackle Circle B
Instant Hard Tackle R1 + Circle RB + B
Sliding Tackle Square X
Clearance Circle B
Shoulder Challenge/Sealout L2 L2
Jockey/Grab & hold Hold L2 Hold L2
Contain Hold X Hold A
Teammate Contain Hold R1 Hold RB
Running Jockey L2 + R2 LT & RT
Pull and Hold (when chasing) Hold Circle Hold B
Get up after sliding tackle Square X
Goalkeeper charge Hold Triangle Hold Y

FIFA 21: Goalkeeping Controls

Most people use automatic goalkeeping and let the AI control the goalkeeper, but you can switch to the goalkeeper using the touchpad to allow you to pull off saves and charge at the ball.

Command PlayStation Xbox
Drop Kick Circle or X B or X
Throw/Pass X A
Drop Ball Triangle Y
Pick Up Ball R1 RB
Driven Throw R1 + X RB + A
Driven Kick R1 + Square RB + X
Move Goalkeeper Hold R3, R Hold R3, R
Switch to GK Press Touchpad Press Touchpad
Original author: Ronan Murphy
  88 Hits

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on latest injuries, backing referees & the 'strangest year'

The Reds legend has been impressed by a Portuguese forward, but says none of the star turns at Anfield would fare as well in another top European team

Diogo Jota is another example of Jurgen Klopp buying players “that fit into his system”, says John Barnes, with a Liverpool legend claiming the Portuguese would not have made the same kind of impact at Barcelona or Real Madrid.

A summer signing from Wolves has slotted seamlessly into the fold at Anfield.

Jota had been tipped by many to thrive on Merseyside, with the 23-year-old’s game tailor-made for the reigning Premier League champions.

His tireless running and keen eye for goal have allowed him to star across the minutes he has been given, with an impressive run of form seeing him find the target on six occasions across his last four appearances – including a Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta.

Plenty are now calling for him to be handed a starting role ahead of Roberto Firmino, with Klopp facing some big selection calls.

Barnes admits that Jota is staking a serious claim for a No.9 role, but is eager to point out that none of the attackers available to Liverpool – including Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – would be as productive elsewhere.

The Reds legend told BonusCodeBets: “Klopp buys players that fit into his system. If Diogo Jota went to another club he won’t be able to do what he’s doing at Liverpool, neither would Sadio Mane, neither would Mohamed Salah.

“Klopp is not turning them into good players, they are good players, Liverpool’s system and style suits them.

“If Jota goes to Barcelona, for example, he won’t go there and score loads of goals or play as well. I don’t think any of the Liverpool players would and that’s what the club wants, to find players who can suit their system to be successful.

“It doesn’t matter whether they’re doing it at other clubs or not, look at Fabinho, he might have been wanted by Manchester City or Barcelona but he does well at Liverpool because Klopp knows how he wants his team to play.

“Jota is a fantastic player, but there’s no way that Jota would be able to go to Real Madrid and do the same thing, it’s all down to Jurgen Klopp and finding those players that suits his style.”

Barnes, who admits to being pleasantly surprised at how quickly Jota has settled at Liverpool, still believes that Brazil international Firmino will be favoured by Klopp in big games – such as Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.

He added: “Mane, Salah and Firmino are still the front three, I don’t think Jota is all of a sudden going to 100% start all of the games.

“But of course, Liverpool now have competition for places and they know that whenever he is needed Jota can come into the team and play a part.

“The other players they have had, [Xherdan] Shaqiri or [Divock] Origi, would not be able to come in and maintain the same quality over a long period of time, but with Jota you can.

“There’s Thiago in midfield too, so those two signings have helped Liverpool get strength in depth. They don’t have to play all the time, Klopp can maintain consistency.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  81 Hits

Goal 50: African Legacy Edition

Goal preview the nation’s stars expected to feature for their respective clubs around the world this weekend
Original author: Seye Omidiora
  0 Hits

Zinedine Zidane provides Karim Benzema injury update ahead of Madrid derby

Wekundu wa Msimbazi could face their arch-rivals at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium without the influential Zambian international

Simba SC attacking midfielder Clatous Chama could miss the Mainland Premier League encounter against Young Africans (Yanga SC) on Saturday.

Chama was substituted in the second half during their match against Kagera Sugar and was replaced by Ibrahim Ajibu. The club’s doctor Yassin Gembe has now predicted the Zambian international could be out for more than 14 days.

“What I have observed on Chama after taking him through the initial medication, the problem can sideline him for at least a week or even two in order for him to get back to his previous level,” Gembe told Mwanaspoti.

“But again let us wait until we get a full report from the hospital.

“We had to get him out against Kagera Sugar because he seemed to have been in pain even after I had attended to him in the first place.”

Chama’s situation will complicate matters for head coach Sven Vandenbroeck, who will also not have Gerson Fraga and Meddie Kagere for the Kariakoo derby on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Fraga is suffering from a long-term knee injury while Kagere has started light training with the Rwanda national team.

As injuries threaten to make his squad thin ahead of the crucial tie, Vandenbroeck remains positive that they can win and narrow the gap between them and Yanga.

“It is a game between two traditional rivals and it is one match that we must win and make sure we reduce the number of points between us and them,” the Belgian coach is quoted as saying by the club’s Facebook page.

“We must be careful enough during the match.”

In an initial interview, Vandenbroeck had revealed how he could line up his team given that Kagere will not be available.

“We can start with one striker and have attacking midfielders like Luis Miquissone, Francis Kahata, Said Ndemla and Ibrahim Ajibu behind,” Vandenbroeck said at the time.

“There is no doubt that the match against Yanga is a big one that touches on the emotions of many people. Having all key players available always brings more confidence but we will have to find an alternative although I have complete faith in my remaining players that they can actually do a good job.”

Chris Mugalu, who had been sidelined from the previous matches with an injury, could be available for the Kariakoo clash given that he played a few minutes against Kagera Sugar.

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  160 Hits

Manchester City 1-1 West Brom: Player Ratings as Baggies Hold Out for Impressive Point

The former Gunners defender has suggested that the youngster, who caught the eye in his last Europa League game, may benefit from a spell elsewhere

Joe Willock caught the eye in Arsenal’s 4-1 Europa League win over Molde, but Martin Keown has suggested that the 21-year-old may benefit from heading away from Emirates Stadium on loan.

A product of the Gunners’ famed academy system, Willock is yet to experience life outside of north London. His services have been retained at the club, allowing him to make 67 senior appearances.

The most recent of those was arguably his most impressive, a lively display against Molde seeing him help Mikel Arteta’s side recover from falling a goal down early on.

The England U21 international wrapped up the scoring on what was a productive night for the Gunners, with two goals now recorded in continental competition this season.

Willock has shown that he can be a useful option for Arteta, but he does face fierce competition for places in the middle of the park. That may force him to look elsewhere for regular minutes, with Keown expecting all options to be considered heading towards another transfer window in January.

The former Arsenal defender told BT Sport of Willock: “He wants to make the difference, he’s got great technique and drive and they need to make use of that for the first time.

“He’s finding the extra gears and he’s maturing nicely. If he’s not getting the chances, is he going to have to go on loan? We don’t know. He’s going to let the manager decide.

“The shape - they now want to play two, [Mohamed] Elneny and [Thomas] Partey in that five. If he wants a third player, Willock has to come into his thinking. He’s got to be one of the first on the list to put those two under pressure. We have to work out a pathway for him to get in that first-team, if he has to go on loan - he’s not far away from getting it right.”

Arteta is prepared to keep a pathway open for young stars at Arsenal, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka earning senior international recognition with England on the back of their efforts for the Gunners.

“Joe Willock could have scored more, he created a goal and a good performance,” Arteta told BT Sport after his side’s latest outing. “Keep doing what he is doing consistently and his chance will arrive [in the Premier League].

“I really like the approach that the younger players are having for each game, they want to make the difference, they are playing with a lot of personality.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  72 Hits

Real Madrid 2020/21 Season Preview: Strengths, Weaknesses, Key Man & Prediction

Short pre-season will not affect the performance of the team feels East Bengal midfielder Anthony Pilkington…

Former Norwich City winger and new East Bengal recruit Anthony Pilkington will be playing outside England for the first time in his career and he is very excited to begin a new journey in India.

“It is a great opportunity,” said Pilkington during a chat with Goal. "I have never played outside of England. All my football has been there. It is an opportunity and experience that I am looking forward to.”

Pilkington has been training with his new team in Goa for a week now and has already loved the warmth shown by East Bengal fans on social media.

The Red and Golds begin their Indian Super League (ISL) sojourn on November 27 with the blockbuster Kolkata Derby and the former Republic of Ireland international has already understood the importance of facing ATK Mohun Bagan.

“I am really looking forward to playing for the club. I got a really warm welcome from the fans. They have been brilliant on social media. I have been speaking to the Indian players of our squad and they told me how big the club is not just in India but around the world with millions of fans.

“After the fixtures came out, we have been told about the derby and how big the derby is. So I really cannot wait to get the season going and it is going to be really exciting I am sure,” said the winger.

The former Canaries midfielder revealed that he had a fair idea of the league before the Red and Golds had approached him, though some of his friends and former teammates who have come to India this season.

“I had heard about the ISL before. I did know that few of my friends did sign for some other ISL teams just before I was contacted by East Bengal. I did know about the league.”

The 32-year-old footballer is eager to work with new East Bengal manager Robbie Fowler and suggested that the Liverpool legend played a huge role in convincing him to join the Kolkata side.

“Robbie Fowler is a massive star in England and across the world so having a chance to work with such a quality player that he was and learn from him is great because you never stop learning in football. He is a huge factor in me signing for East Bengal. I am really looking forward to working with him and learn a few new things under the gaffer and his staff,” said the Irish footballer.

The entire East Bengal squad started training together just three days ago and they play their first in three weeks’ time. But Pilkington is not worried about a short pre-season and suggested that every ISL team will have the same issue.

“For the pre-season, everyone is on the same boat. We see some of the teams where players are still arriving in the country and still under quarantine. All our players have ended their quarantine and have joined the training. There cannot be any excuses. We are really excited. We have had some good training sessions already and the lads are really getting to know each other, know the way each of them plays.

“We are getting used to the manager and his staff and there is a really good vibe around the team. We can’t wait to get the season started. We would have liked to start straight away but we have to wait till November 27.”

The Irish footballer has come to India with just one target that is to win as many games as possible and as he believes that without the hunger for success, football is pointless.

“I have come here to win football matches," said Pilkington. “There is no point playing football if you don’t want to win. I am a firm believer in that right from kids’ football all the way to senior football. You got to want to win. You got to enjoy your game as well. If you don’t enjoy your game, you might probably do something else.”

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
  147 Hits

I-League: How Real Kashmir managed to do the unthinkable task of hosting matches in Srinagar despite lockdown?

The Glamour Boys will be looking for redemption this weekend by securing victory over their Soweto rivals in the MTN8 on Sunday afternoon

FormerOrlando Pirateswinger Daine Klate is adamant that Gavin Hunt is the right man to turn around the Glamour Boys' flagging fortunes.

Amakhosi narrowly missed out on winning the league title last season under coach Ernst Middendorp and subsequently replaced the German with Hunt.

It has, however, been a tough start for the four-time league winning coach as Chiefs have won only two of the five games he's been in charge of.

There have also been two heavy defeats - 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership and 3-0 against Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.

On top of that, Hunt has not been able to make any changes to the squad due to the club's Fifa transfer ban.

Under intense scrutiny from both the media and from the millions of Chiefs fans, its a tough job.

But Klate, who won the league title while playing under Hunt at Bidvest Wits, believes if anyone is up for the challenge, its the former Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United coach.

“Chiefs are fortunate to have Gavin Hunt in this situation,” Klate told the Mail & Guardian.

“If there’s any coach who can handle the situation Chiefs find themselves in in terms of not signing any players, I think Hunt is the right man for the job. He can turn nothing into something.”

Amakhosi face Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals this Sunday at the FNB Stadium.

Although Bucs will be heavy favourites to go through to the final, Klate had some words of encouragement for the Chiefs contingent, in that he feels the Glamour Boys were not completely outplayed at the Orlando Stadium last weekend.

It was more a case of Bucs being ruthless when Chiefs made mistakes. A few key moments which changed the complexion of the game.

“I think it’s the application,” Klate said. “You know you look at the goals Pirates scored, a lack of communication at the back from the Chiefs defenders.

"Obviously, the quality that Pirates have in attack, they use chances. Chiefs have the quality as well but it was uncharacteristic for [Leonardo] Castro to miss the way that he did.

"That was probably the difference.”

  137 Hits

230812 SOCCER WWC France Australia Follow Live

The winger was crowned the best player for October in a closely fought battle which included two strikers and a defender

Azam FC winger Salum Abubakar is the first winner of the club’s monthly awards which were introduced two days ago.

The Chamazi-based giants confirmed in a statement they will start honouring their best players every month, starting with October so as to boost their chances of winning the Mainland Premier League.

“We are pleased to announce the return of the best player award for every month in the top-flight,” Azam confirmed in a statement on their social media pages. “The winner of the award will be picked by votes from the fans and also a committee which will be set up.”

Before their league match against promoted Dodoma Jiji, Azam unveiled Abubakar as the first winner of the award after he beat strong opposition from Defender Allu Niyonzima and strikers Obrey Chirwa and Prince Dube.

“Winger Salum Abubakar 'Sure Boy' is the winner of the award for October after he beat Niyonzima, and strikers Obrey [Chirwa] and Prince [Dube],” the club confirmed on their social media pages.

In an earlier interview, Abubakar assured Azam have already set their sights on winning the title and nothing has changed.

“Nothing has changed yet, because our plan is to win the league title,” Abubakar is quoted by Sokaletu. “We all know the competition in the league is tough, but we have set our own plans, we are looking at what we want to achieve.

“We are confident the squad we have will achieve the targets we set before the season kicked off, we knew we can reach the targets and that is why we set them, we will continue to battle until we reach our goals at the end of the season.”

Against Dodoma, Azam won the contest 3-0 to reclaim the top position in the Tanzania Mainland League. Morris Aggrey Ambros, Ayoub Lyanga, and Hassan Kapona's own goal gave the 2014 champions maximum points at the Azam Complex.

Azam had dropped points in their previous two games; it started with a 1-0 loss to Mtibwa Sugar, their first and only loss this season, which was followed with a 1-1 draw with JKT Tanzania.

After Thursday's win, Azam are now on 25 points from the 10 matches they had played. The Chamazi-based side has won eight games, drawn once, and lost once.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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The Jangwani giants have confirmed their winger will miss the Kariakoo derby against their bitter rivals on Saturday

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have confirmed winger Carlos Carlinhos will not be fit to play against Simba SC in the Mainland Premier League derby on Saturday.

The Kariakoo Derby, which is the first meeting between the two giants in the 2020-21 campaign, was originally set for October 18 but it was moved to November 7 and will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

And Yanga, who are keen to end Simba's dominance in the league this campaign, have confirmed their new signing from Angola, who injured his leg while in training, will not be fit enough to play against their rivals.

The injury has seen Carlinhos miss matches against Polis Tanzania, KMC, Biashara United, and Gwambina FC.

“We don’t have any further injuries apart from [Carlinhos] who will miss the derby,” Yanga doctor Shecky Mngazija told the Championi as quoted by Sokaletu.

He has recovered and started light training sessions but he lacks match fitness so we don’t want to risk him, we don’t want to throw him back immediately.”

Meanwhile, Yanga have confirmed the availability of winger Haruna Niyonzima ahead of the clash against Simba.

“Niyonzima is back, he has trained with the team and he is fit to play, so it will be upon the coach to decide whether to start him or not, but he is fit and available to play in the derby,” added Mngazija.

Last season, the two giants met three times, with the first round ending in a 2-2 draw before Yanga turned on the screw to win the second round fixture 1-0. They again faced off in the semi-finals of the FA Cup where Simba won 4-1.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi then went ahead to seal a season double – winning the Community Shield, the league, and the domestic cup – after beating Namungo FC 2-1 in the final played in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.

The Kariakoo Derby is considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in football in Africa along with the Soweto Derby in South Africa (Kaizer Chief vs Orlando Pirates), Cairo Derby in Egypt (Al Ahly vs Zamalek) and is considered the most famous fixture in Tanzanian football.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  83 Hits

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'They told me good things' - Advice from Ozil and Leno pushed Guendouzi to join Hertha from Arsenal

The Nigeria international has expressed his delight with his side’s performances against Carlos Carvalhal’s men

Kelechi Iheanacho believes Leicester City cannot afford to rest on their oars as they still have a long way to go in the Europa League.

The 24-year-old produced a man of the match performance in their 4-0 victory over Sporting Braga in the European competition on Thursday night.

Iheanacho, who was handed his second start in the tournament, scored twice and set up another to help his side secure their third consecutive win in the competition.

The victory ensured the King Power Stadium outfit strengthens their lead at the top of Group G with nine points from three games.

The Nigeria international has expressed his delight with his side’s current form but warned that much work still needs to be done to ensure their progress in the tournament.

“We’re in a great position in the group. We still have a long way to go, but it’s about keeping going, taking it game by game and let’s see,” Iheanacho told Europa League website.

“The first goal came from a rebound and I was maybe a little bit lucky with the second too. Thankfully they all count! I’m happy to score again.”

“It was a good win for us. We did well, scored some good goals and deserved to win in the end.”

Iheanacho has now scored three goals in the Europa League since he made his debut against Zorya Luhansk in October.

The centre-forward is hoping to continue his eye-catching performances for the Foxes in the 2020-21 campaign.

“I just need to keep working in training and doing my job. We have a great squad and everyone is doing his best,” he continued.

Leicester will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in their next Premier League game on Sunday and Iheanacho is already looking forward to the match.

“This game is gone now. We enjoy it today but we focus on the Premier League now. I hope we can keep our winning run going," he added.

The Nigeria international has featured in seven games across all competitions for Leicester in the current campaign, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

The forward will be expected to replicate his scintillating performances for the Super Eagles in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Sierra Leone on November 13.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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The club's former fullback had a simple message for a player looking to follow in his footsteps at Camp Nou this season

Dani Alves has offered new Barcelona defender Sergino Dest some simple advice, telling the U.S. men's national team star to simply pass the ball to Lionel Messi whenever he can.

Alves and Messi regularly linked up along the right flank during the Brazilian's time at the club, with Dest now operating in a similar role under Ronald Koeman. 

The former Ajax star is yet to be involved in any goals across his first nine appearances for Barcelona but has shown plenty of promise as an attacking fullback.

Alves, who chipped in with an impressive 101 assists while at Camp Nou, likes what he's seeing from Dest early on and told the American to make the most of his star Argentine team-mate. 

"If I have to give Dest advice, it's very simple: pass the ball to Messi," Alves told RAC 1

“Sergino Dest has a lot of quality and has a chance of succeeding at Barca, but I don't like to make comparisons. It happened to me with Cafu...they don't make sense."

Dest will no doubt take Alves' advice to heart with the USMNT defender recently revealing his affection for the current Sao Paulo right-back. 

"Dani Alves is my role model, he plays in the same position and I have seen many YouTube videos of him and I have learned a lot," Dest said in October. 

"His teammates are here, at Barcelona, ​​and I can ask them for advice. I want to be a player similar to him."

While Alves is clearly keeping a close eye on Dest, the Brazilian appears to be somewhat bitter that he wasn't given a chance to re-sign for the Catalans

"I offered myself to Barca to come back. I went to Juve to prove I was still at a good level," Alves told RAC 1. 

"I wanted to return to Barca and they needed me, but they didn't have the balls to admit that they were wrong with me. If they had treated me as I thought I deserved, today I would still continue playing for Barca. I love this club.

"I think that Barca only wants to be a commercial and business club...buy and sell players. When you do that, you lose your identity. I think that is the problem for Barcelona."

Original author: Josh Thomas
  159 Hits

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The young Red Devils midfielder has been backed for big things by his national team coach

Manchester United's Ethan Galbraith has been compared to Barcelona legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi by Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough.

The 19-year-old has been called up to his nation's senior squad for the upcoming international break after impressing at youth level.

Galbraith, who recently re-signed with the Red Devils until 2023, made his senior Northern Ireland international debut in 2019 and looks set to feature again when they face Slovakia in a EURO qualifier next week. 

Baraclough has been keeping a close eye on the United youngster and clearly believes he's capable of having a big impact in years to come. 

“Ethan, over the last six months, we've seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day,” Baraclough said.

“He's excelled with the Under-21s and he's a different type of player to anyone we've got in the senior squad.

“Hopefully it’s the start of a long career for him. Hopefully, he relishes his time from the start in this squad, rather than coming in from the Under-21 squad. He has earned his right with the way he has gone about his play for the last six months.

“Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi, someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes. Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.

“He’s been brought in a couple of times and made his debut against Luxembourg. For him to be picked outright, it’s a big moment for him, but he’s ready for it.

”He’s gone and signed a new deal with Man United and you can see there’s a real self-confidence about him. It’s great someone like that can be a shining light for the young players, knowing there are chances for them if they perform at their clubs.“

Galbraith one's senior appearance for the Red Devils to date came in a Europa League clash against Astana last year.

The teenager has made three appearances for United's U-23's side this season and scored the winning goal in their most recent clash against Everton

Original author: Josh Thomas
  91 Hits

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The 39-year-old tactician explained how Bucs will have to get used to their hectic schedule

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids feels the team's current congested fixture list will help them in the long run. 

The Buccaneers have played five competitive matches in less than three weeks as they compete in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN8.

On Sunday, Pirates will take on their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs for the second time in eight days in the two-legged 2020 MTN8 semi-finals.

The 3-0 win over Chiefs in the first-leg match was followed by a 1-0 victory against Bloemfontein Celtic in a PSL match on Wednesday and Davids explained Pirates' squad rotation. 

"If you take our first three matches, in every match there were three to five changes – against Cape Town City, then going to AmaZulu and then Stellenbosch," Davids told the media.

"Yes, a much better performance against Kaizer Chiefs [last Saturday] and now you want to build continuity. You can talk in hindsight what is right or wrong, we know it's three games in one week, and to prioritise."

Davids is currently in charge of the Buccaneers in the absence of the club's head coach, Josef Zinnbauer, who has travelled to his home country, Germany to attend a family matter. 

Pirates are also set to compete in the Caf Confederation Cup and Nedbank Cup later this season as they chase elusive silverware.

Davids believes their back-to-back matches against Chiefs are good preparation for the team's tough schedule this season with the players having shown signs of fatigue against Celtic.

"Yes, we felt the effects of it in the first half [against Celtic] but that's what we've got to get used to because of our schedule coming up – it's Caf, the league, MTN8 and Nedbank," he added. 

"If you want to push your players in terms of conditioning, you have to do it early in the season, knowing that we did not get a full six-week pre-season.

"So we felt it in the first-half but the squad we have was able to then turn it around in the second half, with the changes making the impact that we needed."

Pirates will be away to Chiefs in the semi-final second-leg encounter at FNB Stadium on Sunday.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  52 Hits

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