Looking for Soccer News?

Michael Olunga may not link up with the Kenya national team after the Kashiwa Reysol camp was hit by three coronavirus cases.

Japan's Professional League (JPL) confirmed the cases on Tuesday and the match between Kashiwa Reysol and Vegalta Sendai had to be rescheduled.

Olunga’s head coach Nelsinho Baptista was among the confirmed members of the team who had contracted the virus but the identities of the other people who tested positive have not been made public yet.

Olunga is far ahead of his J1 League Golden Boot rivals as he is the leading scorer with 23 goals.

“The J-League has announced that matchweek 26 of the 2020 league match between Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 13:00 JST, has been cancelled after cases of the novel coronavirus [Covid-19] were confirmed in Kashiwa Reysol,” the league managers announced on Tuesday.

“We will inform you of the alternative date as soon as it is decided.

The statement further said: “Multiple PCR (Polymerise chain reaction) tests will be conducted on Kashiwa Reysol players and staff under the guidance of an expert team. Preparations for the Levain Cup will not be halted.”

Olunga’s absence may end up being a huge blow for head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee who is preparing Harambee Stars for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros.

Due to travel restrictions, Olunga was not part of the Kenya team that faced Zambia on October 9 in a friendly tie at Nyayo Stadium which the hosts won 2-1.

Mulee – in his first provisional squad since appointment – called up five strikers and Olunga’s probable absence will mean he will have to look upon the other four.

Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala, Masud Juma of JS Kabylie, John Avire of Tanta FC and Ulinzi Stars’ Oscar Wamalwa are the other forwards summoned.

The Comoros qualifiers - set for November 11 and 15 - offers Kenya a chance to fight for a first group win since they drew 1-1 against both Egypt and Togo in the first two games.

Harambee Stars are in the hunt for back-to-back Afcon qualifiers since they took part in the 2019 edition but were eliminated in the group stages.

Sergio Reguilon has claimed that Tottenham informed him they had created special golf holes at their training ground especially for Gareth Bale following his arrival from Real Madrid.

Spurs signed the Wales international in the summer transfer window, with Bale returning to north London from Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal having won numerous trophies during his time at the Bernabeu.

The former Southampton winger struggled for form and fitness in his last couple of years with the Blancos, falling out of favour with head coach Zinedine Zidane in the process, leading to question marks over his future at the highest level.

He also saw his commitment to Madrid's cause called into question amid his well-documented love of playing golf, and risked the wrath of supporters by holding up a 'Golf, Wales, Madrid' banner while away on international duty.

Bale has been given the chance to get his career back on track in familiar surroundings and scored his first goal for Spurs following his return to wrap up a 2-1 victory for Jose Mourinho's side against Brighton on Sunday.

Reguilon, who left the Bernabeu to join Tottenham on a permanent deal in September, thinks Bale seems far more content in England than he was in Spain, and has even claimed that the club are encouraging his golfing habit in order to keep him happy.

The Spanish full-back told Cadena Ser of his team-mate's improved mood since returning to Spurs: "He seems different to me. The language is everything for him. He speaks Spanish well, it's not bad, a bit like me in English, but communication, the habits, mean he's happier in England... I have no idea if he'll return (to Madrid).

"What most surprised me is at Spurs' training ground there are golf holes. I asked about it and they told me they were put there for him! They're short holes, maybe 30 metres. I couldn't believe it!"

Reguilon was likely referring to the mini-golf green which has reportedly been in place at Tottenham's training ground for many years.

The 23-year-old is also thoroughly enjoying the early stages of his career with the north London club and has already warmed to Mourinho due to a combination of his communication skills and intensity on the training pitch.

Asked to offer an insight into his relationship with the Portuguese, Reguilon responded: "Great... I like this kind of demanding, intense coach. When we don't do what he wants he gets angry, like any coach... he's really close to the players."

The former Madrid star went on to discuss how he has adjusted to life in England before addressing the possibility of returning to the Bernabeu in the future.

"It gets dark at five o'clock! It's a different league and style but I adapt well to new situations... I get on great with my team-mates. Son [Heung-min] and [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg are good guys," he added.

"Madrid is my home and where I grew up. In the future, you never know but the possibility is there... I didn't speak to the boss (Zidane), it was more with the club. I know what they think of me, I had to take a decision.

"Time will tell. I didn't ask for explanations."

Simba SC coach Seven Vandenbroeck has stressed the importance of beating rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the Mainland Premier League derby on Saturday.

The two Tanzanian giants will meet for the first time this season, with Yanga yet to lose a match and sitting ahead of the Wekundu wa Msimbazi on the 18-team league table.

While Simba suffered back-to-back defeats against Tanzania Prisons and Ruvu Shooting, Yanga have been on a winning run of three matches, which was, however, halted on Tuesday after they battled to a 0-0 draw with promoted side Gwambina FC.

The Belgian tactician has now revealed that by beating Yanga it will help reduce the gap between the two giants and also push their quest to win a fourth straight league title in the 2020-21 season.

“For us to catch up with Yanga, we must beat them, there is no short cut,” Vandenbroeck said as quoted by Sokaletu. “A win will be good for us because it will help reduce the gap they have opened, and it will also keep alive our hopes of winning the title again.

“Our bounce-back win against Mwadui FC [5-0] was very important for us, we had lost two matches in a row and it was not a good result for us, we needed a quick turn around and I am happy the way my players responded, to finish of Mwadui was very great.

“We have a match against Kagera Sugar before we play the big derby against Yanga on Saturday and our focus is to win all the matches, Yanga are ahead of us by seven points and it will be very vital to make sure we reduce the gap, we must focus on that.

“Last season we lost against them [Yanga] in the second match of the season but it was not very important for us because we had already sealed the title, we now have to beat them to make sure we are close to them, we must start working on reducing the gap and also work on moving up the table to position one, where we belong.”

The derby will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium from 4 pm.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists that the European champions want David Alaba to stay at the club beyond the end of his current deal, which is set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Alaba's future in Bavaria has been up in the air for some time, with negotiations at a standstill as both the player and the club seek to thrash out the best deal possible for all involved.

Bayern's most recent offer came with a deadline, as revealed by sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, but the deal was not accepted and the club official stated his belief that the Austria international would be moving on at the end of the current campaign.

Rummenigge, meanwhile, maintains that negotiations remain cordial and is hopeful the defender will remain at the Allianz Arena for the foreseeable future.

“I don't know [if Alaba will leave],” the 65-year-old told Sport Bild. “We had a meeting two weeks ago with his father George and his advisor Pini Zahavi. The conversation was okay, the atmosphere was alright.

“But I have to say, we've been going in circles for months. At some point we have to start planning for the new season. We have to know: Will David stay with FC Bayern or not? A decision is important to us at this point.”

Reports claim the 28-year-old has been offered a five-year deal at €11 million per season, plus bonuses, and Rummenigge has called for players to consider the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic during negotiations over wages.

“Especially right now, with the coronavirus, players have to develop an understanding for the clubs,” he said. “We've lost a lot of money, we haven't had a spectator in the stadium for eight months. We're living with the threat of losses in the three-digit million range.

“I believe that players would be well advised to stay at a club if they feel comfortable there and, such as in David's case, are celebrating great successes. I think we all think the same thing here at the club: We all want David to stay. He's a wonderful person and a top player.

“David Alaba now has to make a decision for himself.”

Edinson Cavani is getting sharper and sharper and it will not be long before the Manchester United striker makes a big impact at Old Trafford, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cavani embarked on a new challenge in the Premier League by signing a one-season contract at Old Trafford in October, which includes the option of an extra year.

The 33-year-old had been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June, and has been granted extra time to build up his fitness since his arrival at United.

He has had to be content with three substitute appearances for Solskjaer's side so far, with his latest cameo coming during a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Uruguayan has only shown glimpses of his predatory instincts amid a lack of playing time, but his manager is confident he will soon be ready to prove his worth as a regular starter after seeing him make gradual progress on the training pitch.

“He’s generally a fit man anyway and he’s getting his sharpness in training and he’s got some substitute appearances now," Solskjaer told a press conference ahead of the Red Devils' trip to Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday night.

"We haven’t managed to get him long enough yet to make a big impact but he’s looking sharper and sharper in training so it won’t be long.”

One man who could slot straight into Solskjaer's line-up in Turkey is Anthony Martial, who has just finished serving a three-game Premier League suspension after being sent off in a heavy loss to Spurs before the last international break.

The Frenchman scored a penalty as United thrashed RB Leipzig 5-0 in their last Champions League outing at Old Trafford, and the Norwegian head coach is hopeful he will kick on to rediscover his best form in the coming weeks.

“Anthony has been important for us last season and in the time I’ve been here. So, of course, to have him back is a boost," said Solskjaer. "It gives us more options for up front and on either side, and we’ll look forward to seeing the best of Anthony.

"I thought towards the end of the Leipzig game you could see his sharpness getting there and he was really positive and bright which is good.”

Pressed on the need for his side to react strongly after suffering their third top-flight reversal of the season with a crucial clash against Everton looming large on the horizon, Solskjaer added: "Definitely. It’s always important to bounce back and respond after a disappointing day.

"We’ve had some time to reflect over this [the Arsenal defeat] now and it’s gone, and we’ve got to get a performance in Istanbul and hopefully we’ll get three points and then we go to Everton.

"Of course we’ve not been helped by the schedule but it’s another challenge.”

Cape Town City will battle with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

The Citizens registered their maiden win of the season when they edged out Maritzburg United 1-0 away last week and they are unbeaten in the league this season.

Coach Jan Olde Riekerink will be looking to ensure that his side maintains its unbeaten start by securing a win over the defending league champions, Sundowns. 

City will be up against a Sundowns side which is determined to make amends after surprisingly dropping points by drawing 0-0 against PSL debutants Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at home last week.

The Masandawana technical team which is led by Manqoba Mngqithi will be keen to mastermind a win over City that could take the Tshwane giants to the top of the league standings if other results go their way.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Sundowns loanee Aubrey Ngoma will be unable to face his parent club with coach Riekerink having confirmed that the experienced winger is out nursing a muscle injury.

While Mozambique international Edmilson Dove will also be absent as the left-back is currently nursing a knee problem which saw him miss the clash against Maritzburg.

The dangerman for Riekerink's side is Mdududzi Mdantsane, who has been in top form having scored in each of his last two league matches and the attacking midfielder could be key to a win over Masandawana.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will be without Sibusiso Vilakazi and Gift Motupa once again with the two attackers currently nursing long-term injuries.

While attacking trio Grant Margeman, Mauricio Affonso and Gaston Sirino have been nursing short-term injuries and they could hand the Brazilians a boost ahead of the clash in the Mother City. 

All eyes will be on Kermit Erasmus as he faces his former employers, City for the first time having opened his scoring account at Sundowns against Kaizer Chiefs and the striker will be looking to play a key role in helping Masandawana win.

Match Preview

City are undefeated in their last two competitive matches having recorded a draw and a victory since they were eliminated from the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates last month.

The Mother City side boasts a nine-match unbeaten run at home in the league - recording seven wins and two draws.

While Sundowns are also undefeated in their last two competitive matches having registered a draw and a victory after being booted out of the MTN8 by Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Tshwane giants are enjoying a four-match unbeaten run on the road in the league - recording one draw and three successive victories as the visitors.

In head-to-head stats since 2016 when City were established, the two teams have met in eight league matches.

The Citizens have dominated this fixture having claimed five wins compared to two for Masandawana, while just one game has been drawn. 

Last season, City took four points off Sundowns, as they secured a 3-2 win in the second-round clash after the two teams drew 1-1 in the first round.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt has bemoaned an injury to teenage midfielder Keletso Sifama as creating “a gap” in Amakhosi’s attacking options ahead of Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League match against TS Galaxy, but has welcomed the return of defender Kgotso Moleko.

The Soweto giants host Galaxy at FNB Stadium, keen to recover from last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final, first leg.

After being banned from signing new players by Fifa, Chiefs have also had to endure starting the season without key players like forward Samir Nurkovic and defender Eric Mathoho due to injuries.

Hunt has however hinted at starting Mathoho on Wednesday after the defender was on the bench against Pirates and it is yet to be seen if Moleko will also feature for the first time this season.

“We obviously do not have a big squad, so, the main thing now is to get the players that played the part last season, fit again,” Hunt told the Chiefs website.

“We all know one of them which is Samir Nurkovic is not in the squad and it is a huge blow for us. He scored a lot of goals last season and you can see we have a challenge already in that area.

“Tower [Mathoho] was out with injury. We have to get him fit again. We need to do the same with Katsande. They are the spine of the team. Keletso Sifama is out with injury which leaves a gap in our attacking options.”

The absence of Sifama comes as the 17-year-old has so far featured in two matches of Chiefs' four across all competitions this season.

Hunt has expressed faith in the midfielder and promised to field him more often.

With Chiefs struggling for consistency, they now face a TS Galaxy side yet to taste league defeat in the current campaign.

TS Galaxy are a grim reminder to Chiefs whom they beat in the final of the 2019 Nedbank Cup but Hunt is refusing to read much into history.

“Every game is a new challenge. I don’t look at the previous records,” said Hunt.

“You saw over the weekend, we beat Pirates three times last season but look what happened on Saturday, they beat us. You look at that result and ask yourself if it was a true reflection of the game.

“Galaxy have former Highlands Park players who provide them with some steel and energetic players from Galaxy itself, so it is going to be an interesting game. TS Galaxy are a good side. There are no pushovers in the Premiership. They have gelled and have put a couple of good players together. So, it is not going to be an easy game. The opportunity is there again to win the match.”

Chiefs' league campaign is currently marked by a 3-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns and a 1-0 victory over Chippa United.

UEFA has denied planning to hold Euro 2020 in Russia amid the ongoing restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Championship was pushed back by a year in March following the Covid-19 outbreak, which has caused over 1.2 million deaths across the globe to date.

The 24-team tournament was originally due to be held across 12 different countries, with Bilbao, Amsterdam, Baku, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and St Petersburg all set to host matches.

However, reports of a potential change to that format have surfaced this week, with UEFA said to be drawing up a proposal to stage the competition in Russia, which has emerged as the leading candidate to host after successfully staging the 2018 World Cup finals.

Fears over continent-wide travel restrictions and quarantine rules are thought to be behind the push for reform, with several of the countries scheduled to stage games currently in lockdown as steps to contain the spread of coronavirus continue to be taken.

However, UEFA has insisted that a deviation from the pre-ordained format for Euro 2020 is not being considered, and that plans for the tournament to go ahead include welcoming supporters back into stadiums.

"UEFA's efforts are currently focused on planning a tournament with fans in all 12 venues," a UEFA spokesperson told SID.

The European Championship is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2021, with the first group-stage match between Italy and Turkey set to take place at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The final, meanwhile, is due to be held at Wembley Stadium in London on July 11, 2021, as UEFA celebrates the 60th anniversary of the competition.

Portugal picked up the trophy for the first time in their history back in 2016, beating France 1-0 after extra time in the showpiece event.

Both sides will be among the favourites to win the tournament alongside the likes of Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and England, with the UEFA Nations League set to keep all of the countries in question busy until the action begins next year.

Portugal managed to win the inaugural Nations League with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in 2019, and the latest campaign will continue when the international break comes into effect next week.

Ola Aina has hailed the impact of manager Scott Parker on Fulham after defeating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 on Monday night.

After a stuttering start to the 2020-21 English top-flight season that saw the Cottagers go on a run of six games without victory, they eventually got their act right together thanks to first-half strikes from Bobby Decordova-Reid and the Nigeria international.

The ‘massive’ result against Slaven Bilic’s men moved them away from the base of the English elite division log having garnered just four points from seven games.

According to Torino loanee Aina who scored his maiden Premier League goal in his 51st appearance, Fulham’s resurgence should be attributed to the 40-year-old’s influence on the team as he had stayed optimistic despite Fulham’s discouraging start.

“He has been great, keeping the belief within the camp and he always tells us that he believes in each and everyone of us, believes in our ability and what we can achieve,” Aina told Standard Sport.

“He has been very positive with us - where we lack, he lets us know, and where we do well, he lets us know. He is a very truthful guy and he has been great.”

The 24-year-old was part of the Blues’ three FA Youth Cup-winning sides and Uefa Youth League triumph, however, he was loaned to Hull City after failing to get regular action at Stamford Bridge.

After completing his spell with the Tigers, he was shipped to Serie A outfit Torino for another loan stint. His move was made permanent in a deal worth £8.9m (€10m) after he impressed during his one-year stay in Italy – making 32 appearances and scoring once.

In the 2019-20 season, he accounted for 37 appearances for the Bull, which included 32 matches in Serie A. However, he returned to England to join Fulham a day before their Premier League opening fixture against Arsenal.

He is expected to play a role as Parker’s men would be eyeing a victory against West Ham United at London Stadium on Saturday.

After the game, Aina will join Nigeria’s squad for next week’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Sierra Leone.

East Bengal’s newest foreign recruit Anthony Pilkington has played 75 matches in the Premier League for Norwich City and has scored 14 goals.

The Republic of Ireland has scored against 10 different opposition in the Premier League which includes giants like Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, but Pilkington considers the goal against Manchester United in the 2012-13 season as his most precious strike ever.

The goal came in the 60th minute of the match as Pilkington converted a sublime header from Javier Garrido’s cross beating Red Devils custodian Anders Lindegaard through the top corner.

“There have been a few memorable matches in my career. Obviously, I have played against a lot of top teams back home. But the most memorable match has to be when we (Norwich City) beat Manchester United before they went on to win the league. They had all the superstars playing like Paul Scholes, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney and yet we beat them 1-0. I’ll definitely say that was memorable,” reminisced Pilkington during a chat with Goal.

The 32-year-old further mentioned that scoring a goal in a winning cause against the eventual champions of that season was a great feeling. 

“I am not really known for my header so I just closed my eyes and placed it in the top corner. Obviously scoring a goal against the eventual champions, a team as big as Manchester United worldwide, it was a really proud moment for me and my family.”

Born and brought up in Blackburn, Pilkington idolised English football legend Alan Shearer who used to play for Blackburn Rovers from 1992-96. He was also mesmerized by Alan Shearer’s performance in the 1995-96 season where he had won the Golden Boot and had guided the team to a Premier League triumph.

“There are so many good players but my hero growing up was Alan Shearer. I am from Blackburn and he played for Blackburn Rovers. They won the Premier League in 1995-96 season and he was my hero at that time,” said the East Bengal player.

While representing the Northern Ireland national team, the winger had played against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in an international friendly and had also faced Sweden during the 2014 World qualifiers, a game which featured Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But Pilkington decided to choose Luis Suarez as the best ever player he has played against in terms of impact. The Uruguayan was an absolute nightmare for Norwich between 2012 and 2014 and had scored three hat-tricks against the Canaries.

“The best player I played against in actual terms of how he played against us on the pitch every time we played them, I will probably say is Luis Suarez,” said Pilkington. “He was unbelievable. He scored three hat-tricks in three games against us. He was brilliant.”

He also suggested that facing Ronaldo was also special for him but as he did not feature much in that match, he picked Suarez over the Portuguese.

“Playing against (Cristiano) Ronaldo, obviously he is one of the best players to ever play the game. I only played against him for a few minutes. The actual best player I have seen in a whole match has to be Suarez. He was brilliant for Liverpool at that time, all amazing players. I am very lucky to play against them,” said Pilkington.

Mumbai City FC, after a cultural reset of sorts in terms of their squad and playing style, looks to be one of the favourites for the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) title on paper.

They have revamped their foreign contingent, bringing in former FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera and a host of star players who shone at FC Goa in Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and more. 

They have, however, brought in three new faces to the ISL in Hernan Santana, Adam Le Fondre and Cy Goddard. Fulfilling the club's mandatory Asian player quota is Goddard who has Japanese citizenship. 

The 23-year-old operates as an attacking midfielder, mainly through the middle of the park. He is a technically strong, creative player who will provide competition for Boumous who operates in a similar role. 

Let's take a closer look at a player who was once termed a phenomenon during his youth career. 

Promising youth career and debut

Goddard, who was born in London, joined the academy of Tottenham Hotspur at a very young age and progressed through the ranks. His performances did catch quite a few eyes and soon he made a name for himself as a talent to watch out for. 

His rapid progress saw him represent the Spurs' U16, U18 and eventually break into the U21 team in 2015, at a tender age of 18. It was no surprise that he was tipped to break into the senior team within a few years. 

Naturally, he was given a youth contract by the North London club who saw him as one for the future. At one point, there was even interest in Goddard from German giants Borussia Dortmund who felt that the midfielder had plenty of similarities to Shinji Kagawa at that age. 

However, things would not go as planned for Goddard who ended up leaving Tottenham without making a single senior team appearance in 2017. Though the club did try to hold on to the talented player by offering him another contract extension, he decided to turn them down and leave before Tottenham's pre-season tour to the USA that summer. 

After almost a year without a club, Goddard signed for Serie B club Benevento in August 2018 on a three-year deal. 

He made his professional debut for Benevento in a 2-1 friendly win over AS Roma as a second-half substitute. He made just two competitive appearances for the Italian side, in Serie B, in the 2018-19 season. 

After struggling to make a mark at Benevento, Goddard moved to Cypriot top-tier club Pafos FC on loan in the 2019-20 season. After returning to Benevento from Pafos, Goddard ended up moving to Mumbai City. 

International football

Goddard has an English father and a Japanese mother. Though born in London, Goddard has opted to represent Japan internationally. He is yet to make it into the Samurais' senior team, however.

“Of course I have two nationalities,” he said back in 2015. “But it’s not that I feel more Japanese than English. I support both countries when they play at World Cups; it’s just that Japan’s way of playing suits my game better."

He has played for Japan's U16 and U17 teams in the past. 

Last stint

Goddard turned out for Cypriot top-tier outfit Pafos FC last. However, he did struggle for game time and played just 234 minutes, spread across six appearances. 

Though he could not score a goal, he did have an assist to his name from his time in Cyprus.

The term 'marquee' is now a forgotten word in Kochi. For the third season in a row, Kerala Blasters are set to begin a new football season without a high-profile foreign player in their squad. 

Recent years have seen the winds of change at Blasters right from top to bottom. Squads have been revamped over and over again, officials have come on board and resigned and there has been no consistency whatsoever in the team's approach every season. 

Ahead of the 2020-21 season, Blasters, who have always been against sudden changes to foreign player rules by the ISL, brought on board six new foreign players and retained Spaniard Sergio Cidoncha. The others were either not part of the club's plan or unwilling to take a pay cut.

This year, the Kochi-based club who will play the entire season in Goa have opted to bring experienced overseas players who have shone in leagues abroad. The recruitment at Kerala focused on bringing tried and tested players like Cidoncha, Mario Arques and Bartholomew Ogbeche last season seems to have changed. The profile of the incoming players are markedly different this season.

Skinkys and I-League-winning head coach Kibu Vicuna have gone through several profiles of players India football fans are not familiar with. And the first to arrive was Argentinian Facundo Pereyra. 

Facundo Pereyra: A surprise package? 

The likes of Maximiliano Barreiro and Martin Perez Guedes have left their respective ISL teams which means Pereyra could be the only Argentinian player in ISL this season. Indian football has not been a highly successful playground for Argentines recently but Pereyra's profile will give Blasters hope. For starters, he can play as an attacking midfielder and take up the role of a striker. 

Pereyra started his career with his local club Club Atletico Estudiantes. He went on loan to Chilean club Palestino in 2009 but could not feature regularly for the club. He got his much-needed break at another Chilean destination when he made 34 league appearances for Audax Italiano in 2011. He also scored 15 goals during that season and this was when clubs began taking notes. 

Pereyra then moved to Mexico but could only net three goals for San Luis. But it was just a minor dip in form as the versatile footballer registered another 15-goal season at Gimnasia La Plata and helped the club earn promotion from the second division. He was fourth on the list of top scorers in the league that season. 

He played one season in the top division and scored nine goals before joining Greek club PAOK. He started 29 games and scored 12 league goals in his debut season. He also opened his account in the Europa League against Moldovian club Zimbru in a game which PAOK won 4-0. His only other goal in the competition came three years later for PAOK against Dinamo Tbilisi. 

Despite a decent start to his career at PAOK, Pereyra fell down the pecking order and had to go on loan to find first team minutes. An unhappy spell at Azerbaijan and unsuccessful spells at Argentina and Mexico followed. In a bid to rekindle his fading career, he even returned to Gimnasia during the first half of 2018 but could only get one goal in a total of five starts in the league during the 2017-18 season. 

In his last two seasons, Pereyra has scored17 goals in 45 appearances (Cypriot Cup and first division league). Although that is a decent tally for a versatile player like Pereyra, his final season at the club wasn't too impressive overall. 

Based on his recent displays, it would not be wise to consider him as a sure shot regular but if he settles in quickly and well, he could turn out to be a surprise threat.

Novatus Dismas has officially left Tanzanian side Azam FC after he was unveiled by Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC's U19 team.

Dismas had been undergoing trials in Israel for the past three weeks and the club has officially confirmed he has signed a one-year contract but with an option to extend by two more years.

“Dismas, who played for Azam FC is a member of Tanzania’s U21 national side, impressed the youth academy’s coaching staff during an impressive week at the club and will join the U19’s,” Maccabi Tel-Aviv wrote on their official website.

Maccabi’s Performance Director, Patrick Van Leeuwen, who was following the player’s performance since he arrived in Israel for the trials told the club’s official website: “[Dismas] is a Tanzanian left-footed midfielder who was recommended to our scouting department and we invited him for trials at the start of the season.

“Sadly, we were unable to hand him a trial for several weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, however, we were able to see him properly and we are under the impression that he is a very interesting player who will be joining our structure at Maccabi.”

On leaving Azam for the trials, the Chamazi-based club explained on their social media pages: “Azam have reached an agreement with Maccabi Tel-Aviv for the services of winger Novatus [Dismas]. “Dismas is joining the team after undergoing a one-month trial in Israel where he impressed the club’s scouts.

“He becomes the second player to leave Azam in this window after Shaaban Chilunda also left to sign for Mouloudia d’Oujda of Morocco.

“Dismas, who was the young player of the year in the past season, was nurtured and brought up at Azam, the same as Chilunda before they all earned promotion to feature for the senior team in the Mainland Premier League.”

The statement continued: “As Azam, we will continue to nurture young talent and also expose them to the world so that the players can achieve their dreams of always playing in Europe.

“We wish [Dismas] all the best as he starts a new challenge in Israel and also thank him for the services he rendered to the club when he was turning out for us.”

Azam are currently sitting second on the 18-team Mainland Premier League table after Young Africans (Yanga SC) toppled them on Tuesday.

Mathare United have completed the signing of defender Martin Werunga to strengthen their defensive department ahead of the new campaign.

The ‘Slum Boys’ have been busy in the latter stages of the transfer window, making signings to help them compete effectively in the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League which is scheduled to kick-off on November 20.

Subsequently, the Nairobi-based charges have confirmed the arrival of the defender from Nzoia Sugar on a one-year deal.

“More transfer news guys,” the club wrote on their official social media pages. “Martin Werunga has joined us from Nzoia Sugar, committing to the club for the next year.”

On Tuesday, the ‘Slum Boys’ confirmed the signing of three players - striker Eugene Wethuli from National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi Simba, Cersidy Okeyo from Sofapaka, and defender Moses Mburu from AFC Leopards.

On signing Wethuli the club confirmed: “Wethuli Eugene has joined us on a two-year deal from Nairobi Stima FC. He is a strong and agile centre-forward with an eye for the spectacular.

“[Welcome] Eugene.”

Two years ago, the forward injured his leg and went for surgery. After a successful operation, he rejoined National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi Stima. 

However, he was among the players released in February 2020 alongside Jacob Osano, Daniel Opondo, John Njoroge, Victor Amemo, Francis Oduor, and Joshua Mahero.

On signing Okeyo, Mathare United said: “Another one, you wanted a midfield enforcer, we've gone out of our way to get the engine. Cersidy Okeyo is now a Slum Boy after spells at Tusker, Gor Mahia, and Sofapaka.”

The Salim Ali-led team has also signed former Posta Rangers forward Danson Kago on a two-year deal.

With the transfer window being extended for another four days, Mathare United have promised more signings with defender David Ochieng’ likely to be unveiled soon.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed on Monday they had extended the transfer window which was scheduled to shut down on Monday midnight.

According to a statement from the FKF, signed by Head of Competitions Frank Ogolla, the window was extended to allow the conclusion of the play-offs which will determine which team will be promoted to the top-flight.

Bloemfontein Celtic will welcome Orlando Pirates in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.

Phunya Sele Sele are coming off a morale-boosting 1-1 draw away to SuperSport United in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match over the weekend.

However, Celtic are winless in the league this season having recorded a draw and a defeat and coach John Maduka will be keen to guide his side to a win over Pirates.

Siwelele will be taking on a Pirates side which is oozing with confidence after securing an emphatic 3-0 win over their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 encounter.

Bucs will be without their coach Josef Zinnbauer and his assistant Fadlu Davids has been tasked with guiding the team to its maiden win of the season in the league having drawn their first two games in the competition.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport TV. 

Squads & Team News

Celtic could be without Jackson Mabokgwane with the former Pirates goalkeeper having been substituted against SuperSport after sustaining an injury. 

Maduka has a good replacement in Sipho Chaine, who replaced Mabokgwane and the 23-year-old caught the eye in the bio-bubble as the first-choice keeper.

Ndumiso Mabena is the dangerman for Phunya Sele Sele with the former Pirates striker having found the back of the net against SuperSport and he will be looking to haunt Bucs by leading Celtic to a win.

Meanwhile, Pirates have been sweating over the fitness of their key striker Frank Mhango, who missed the Soweto Derby clash against Chiefs due to an injury.

The Malawi international's absence was not felt by the team as his replacement Zakhele Lepasa was on the scoresheet with Thembinkosi Lorch and Vincent Pule scoring the other goals.

Davids will pin the team's hopes of securing a win over Celtic on Lorch after the Bafana Bafana international scored and grabbed an assist against Chiefs and he has the ability to inspire Pirates to a win.

Match Preview

Celtic are winless in their last three matches across all competitions having registered two draws and one defeat.

However, the Free State giants are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run at home in the league - recording five draws and four wins.

While Pirates are undefeated in their last seven matches across all competitions having registered five wins and two draws.

The Soweto giants are also unbeaten in their last two away games in the league - recording one draw and one victory.

In head-to-head stats since 1985, Celtic and Pirates have clashed in 64 league matches.

Bucs have dominated this fixture recording 32 wins compared to 15 for Siwelele, while 17 matches have been drawn.

Last season, Pirates collected four points from Celtic as they recorded a 3-1 win at home in the first round clash before the two teams drew 0-0 in Bloemfontein in the second round.

Vihiga United coach Sammy Okoth is confident they have what it takes to the turn tables and seal their place in the 2020-21 FKF Premier League season.

The Vihiga-based club suffered a 2-1 defeat against Kisumu All-Stars in the first leg of the play-off and will meet again on Wednesday at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, with the overall winner guaranteed a spot in the top-flight.

Vihiga, who were relegated to the lower-tier last season, must win by a 2-0 margin to be assured of earning the slot, and their coach Okoth is confident they will do the job away from home.

“We lost the first leg because of our own mistakes, and I am very happy that the players have accepted it was their mistakes and they have promised me a different ball game in the return leg,” Okoth told Goal on Wednesday.

“My players also know we don’t have the advantage going into the match and they have promised me to turn the tables, we have to win, we must win the battle because we deserve to play in the top-flight.”

Okoth has also rallied his troops to maintain discipline throughout the clash by stating: “Discipline is key today especially for our defenders to ensure we don’t concede early goals and penalties that might put the game beyond us. I believe in my players and if we play according to plan we should be able to win,”

After losing to All-Stars in the first meeting, a visibly angry Okoth said: “The early penalty undid our game plan completely. “We rushed into every decision we made after that and it played hugely to the benefit of our opponents.

“All-Stars’ plan also seemed like it was geared around creating stoppages as there were too many of them and the game never really flowed.”

A double from Willis Otenda ensured that All-Stars have the advantage going into the return leg with Dennis Wafula managing a consolation for Vihiga.

Kisumu All-Stars, promoted at the end of the 2018/19 season from the National Super League (NSL), found their maiden campaign in the top-tier tough and now have to navigate the playoffs to remain in the top-flight.

They only managed to register eight points, two wins, two draws, and 12 losses before the league was cancelled in May.

Zinedine Zidane has "no doubt" Sergio Ramos will stay on at Real Madrid after the long-serving defender reached another milestone figure with his 100th goal for the club.

The Spain international put Madrid two goals up against Inter in their eventual 3-2 win over the Italian side in Tuesday's entertaining Champions League clash.

Ramos' landmark header came on the same day he had been linked with a move to Juventus but Zidane is adamant his captain is going nowhere.

"I have no doubt that he will stay," Zidane said at his post-match news conference. "He is our leader and of course we love him forever."

Ramos joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 and made his 500th LaLiga appearances in last weekend's 4-1 win over Huesca.

Of his 100 goals, 55 have come via his head and the skipper admits he took pride in scoring from a set-piece against Inter.

"We knew from what [Samir] Handanovic said that they had been studying our corner deliveries with Toni [Kroos] finding me," he told Movistar after the game.

"But the more we can continue to surprise our rivals, the better. They know what they are doing, they have a very defined philosophy and they made the most of that. 

"It's a good result, and three points in a group that had started to look complicated for us."

Asked about his achievement of reaching three figures for goals in Madrid colours, Ramos said: "It's not bad, and it is nice that it is recognised.

"It's not a figure which defenders usually get to. Hopefully there'll be many more."

Ramos' header came eight minutes after Karim Benzema had profited from an Achraf Hakimi error to open the scoring for Madrid at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Inter recovered through goals from Lautaro Martinez and Ivan Perisic but Rodrygo regained Madrid's lead in the 80th minute after being set up by fellow substitute Vinicius Junior.

Madrid had more of the possession (55 per cent) and managed seven shots on target to Inter's three, and Zidane believes the right team won in the end.

"There was always going to be tension because we were playing a strong rival," he said. "We have suffered but we must congratulate the players because they deserved it. 

"We started very well, pressing up as we wanted. We made it 2-0 but then had difficulty keeping up with the ball. Then the second half was very close, but that is normal.

"The team has an impressive character and they want to show that they can do. We are going to have difficulties in all the games because I watch a lot of games and I don't see any of them win the games easily."

Madrid have conceded two or more goals in five consecutive Champions League games for just the second time, having previously done so in 2001, and Zidane admits it is now about finding the right balance between attack and defence.

"It is true – there is always a balance to have," he said. "We played a side who are also good on the counter, but how long ago was it that they said we do not score such goals?

"We have to keep working because it is not easy to do the two things together."

Madrid are third in Group B, behind Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk, after moving onto four points from three games.