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Mohun Bagan's general secretary Srinjoy Bose addressed the grievances of the fans regarding a recent video which was launched on the social media handles of the Indian Super League (ISL) and broadcasted on Star Networks.

The content of the video did not go down too well with the Mariners who vehemently vented out their displeasure on social media. The video showed the kits of ATK and Mohun Bagan being washed together to form the new colours of ATK Mohun Bagan. 

Bose, who is the club's secretary as well a board member at ATK Mohun Bagan, has raised the issue with principal owner of the newly merged entity, Sanjiv Goenka, who has in turn reached out to the officials of the league.

"In view of the recent developments, I take this opportunity to bring forward certain points for all of you to be aware of. In the light of recent events, we have approached Mr Sanjiv Goenka, who took an active interest and proactive steps to address the concerns of the Mariners and spoke to different stakeholders to address the issue on an urgent basis," a statement from Bose read.

The Bagan secretary also suggested that they have already informed the league authorities and the broadcaster regarding the controversial video and the club has received an assurance that the commercial will be edited soon.

"We were not privy to the details of the recent promotional video launched in different social media handles of ISL and broadcasted in Star Network. As soon as we noticed the commercial we got in touch with the top management of ATK Mohun Bagan who took up the matter very seriously with FSDL and Star Network. We have been assured that the promo which hurt the emotions of Mohun Bagan fans, will be modified. The changed version will be used in all social media handles and broadcasting channels very soon after the necessary edits."

ATK Mohun Bagan officials have also requested the authorities to remove the three stars symbolising the three league titles won by ATK from the ISL symbol on the sleeves of ATK Mohun Bagan's jersey. Also, all statistics of the Kolkata club before the 2020-21 ISL season will be attributed to ATK and not ATK Mohun Bagan.

"As discussed with FSDL, the issue of three stars on the sleeve with the ISL logo has been discussed and has been done away with. As discussed earlier, FSDL has started modifying the statistics section in the ISL official website to reflect statistics before 2020-21 to be attributed to ATK FC. ATK Mohun Bagan stats will be accumulated from season 2020-21 onwards." read the statement.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Philani Zulu has identified areas his team should improve on, saying they need more attacking prowess as well as improvements at the back.

Chiefs forwards have not scored in four matches so far this season, relying on defender Yagan Sasman’s brace in the MTN8 quarter-final against Maritzburg United as well as Gregory Damons' own goal in their league win over Chippa United.

They have conceded seven goals including 3-0 defeats by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with their defence struggling to cope against the traditional rivals.

Now, the Soweto giants are preparing to face TS Galaxy in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League encounter at FNB Stadium on the backdrop of those disappointing results.

“So far, so good. The preparations are coming along very well,” Zulu told the Kaizer Chiefs media team.

“We had to put what happened in the past and continue working looking forward to the next match. We can’t dwell on the past but work on our mistakes and try working together looking forward because we need each and every match to perform at our best and get the results we require.

“From the games we won, we took out all the positives and try to work on them into the following games. It is just that we need to have a little bit of bite going forward and even our defence because we work so hard at training and we try our best to execute in the game.

“We just need to work on the little mistakes, the little elements to add on to our game and then we will be a perfect team and unstoppable.”

Chiefs will also be treading on delicate ground against a TS Galaxy side who beat them in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final, whilst they were in the second tier.

“Obviously it’s a different ball game. Every team that plays against Chiefs give their all, they need no motivation because the game itself is enough,” said Zulu.

“We know we always have to be at our best and give our A-game because nobody is going to give it so easy to us. We just have to work hard as we prepare for Galaxy. We know every game is a Cup final to us, so this is a very important game.”

Zulu is enjoying more playing minutes under coach Gavin Hunt after struggling for game time during the era of former coach Ernest Middendorp last season.

Hunt has switched the attacking midfielder into a left-back where he is contesting for a place against Sasman.

“Obviously there has been a change, but not much of a change. It is just a matter of confidence and with the coach coming in, he sees different aspects and different ability in me. I’m trying to just work on that ability and help the team in every way I can,” Zulu said.

“I’m comfortable in any position. I was fortunate enough to be versatile. Wherever I’m deployed I’ll try my best to work according to the plan and if it’s working, I just make sure that I follow the instruction and it makes everything easy.”

Chiefs are keen for motivation against TS Galaxy ahead of next Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final, second leg against Orlando Pirates.

Paul Merson has described Thomas Partey as the “number one” signing of the summer, and expressed shock that Arsenal were able to land the midfielder from Atletico Madrid.

Partey made the move to north London from the Spanish capital on the final day of the summer transfer window.

The early signs have been positive, with the Ghana international impressive in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday.

Merson was not blown away by Arsenal’s performance at Old Trafford, but Partey caught the Gunners legend’s eye.

“It was a good away performance. It wasn't great - I wouldn't get carried away and say, 'Oh my god it's a turning point',” Merson said on Sky Sports. 

“They beat a terribly, terribly poor Manchester United team on the day. They've done a job, we've seen them lose those games over the last five or six years. But I think Partey's a massive, massive difference. I mean, what a signing.

“When you talk about signings in the summer, he's got to be number one. I cannot believe, without being horrible here, that Arsenal got him. I don't mean that in a horrible way, they're all crying out for it - I know Manchester United are top-heavy and they've got Fred, McTominay and Matic, but they haven't got a Partey.

“Manchester City, too. Fernandinho's coming towards the end, Rodri hasn't really pulled up any trees. You're thinking, 'Wow, who didn't see this?'”

Mesut Ozil, meanwhile, has been catching the eye with his social-media game, as opposed to his on-field displays. The 32-year-old has not featured for Arsenal since their 1-0 win over West Ham in March, but Merson feels there is a route back into the side for Ozil – due to the presence of Partey.

“I think there's a stage for Ozil now that Partey's in the team,” Merson said. “I watched Chelsea play against Burnley, they played N'Golo Kante in front of the back four and let everyone else get on with it. 

“They ripped Burnley to shreds, I haven't seen too many teams make Burnley look bang average. Because Kante was playing in that holding role, it gave Kai Havertz and Mason Mount the freedom to do what they want, they didn't have to spend most of their time on the edge of their own box tracking back. 

“With Partey in there now, who's so dominant in there and doesn't lose the ball, I think there's a place for Ozil now.

“Then if they do drop someone in to pick up Ozil, you've got someone like Partey who's very comfortable on the ball and can hurt you. Then that frees a midfield player up. I think there's a trick being missed here, but that's just me.”

Ozil has not been included in Arsenal’s Premier League or Europa League squads, so the only route into Mikel Arteta’s team until the registration window reopens in January is via the Carabao Cup.

Arsenal face Manchester City in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup in December.

Genk striker Paul Onuachu has been announced as Moses Simon’s replacement in Nigeria’s squad for next week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sierra Leone.

According to a tweet from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the lanky forward has been drafted into Gernot Rohr’s squad for the games taking place in November.

Simon, 25, suffered a groin injury in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a French top-flight clash – and was subsequently replaced by Kader Bamba after 25 minutes.

Although Nantes are yet to announce the number of weeks he would spend on the sidelines, a reliable source very close to the player said the ex-Levante man would be unavailable for the showdown against John Keister’s men.

“Moses [Simon] was unable to go for a test today [on Sunday] to know the severity of his groin injury, but I can confirm to you that he won’t be available for Nigeria’s games against Sierra Leone,” the source who pleaded anonymity told Goal.

“He will commence treatment as soon as possible and he will return stronger and better in the coming weeks.”

Onuachu scored his ninth goal of the season in his tenth appearance for Genk as they silenced KAS Eupen 4-0 in Friday's First Division A clash.

He was part of the Super Eagles team that faced Algeria and Tunisia in October's international friendlies staged in Austria, albeit, he was unable to find the net.

The three-time African kings take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on November 13 before heading to Freetown for the return leg four days later.

With six points from two games, Nigeria lead Group L with six points and victory in both games will assure the three-time Africa champions a place at the 2022 Afcon in Cameroon.
 

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Sebastian Osigwe (FC Lugano, Switzerland); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, Netherlands); Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Unattached); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Paul Onuachu (Genk, Belgium); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Five Uganda U20 players have tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the upcoming Cecafa zone African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) is yet to give an update on the matter but Football256 reports five samples turned positive from the tests that were done on Saturday.

The players entered into a residential training camp after head coach Morley Byekwaso had summoned 46 players for the zonal qualifiers.

The said players have been asked to self-isolate but the others are set to continue with the preparations as they reside at the Cranes' Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi nonetheless.

The Hippos are training at IUIU Campus in Kabojja until November 4 and are expected to shift base to the Fufa Technical Training Centre in Njeru thereafter.

They will remain at the centre until November 19 when they will leave for Tanzania for the qualifiers.

The Cecafa Championship - that doubles up as Afcon qualifiers - will be played from November 22 to December 6 and the Hippos are in Group B that consists of Burundi, Eritrea and South Sudan.

The Uganda U20 squad:

Goalkeepers: Jack Komakech (Ascent SA), Dennis Ssendyowa (SC Villa), Tonny Atugonza (Buddo SS), Delton Oyo (Busoga United FC), Joram Nsubuga (KCCA FC), Anthony Emojong (KCCA FC)

Defenders: Joseph Kafumbe (KCCA FC), Aziz Abdu Kayondo (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (Aspire Academy), Robert Kitabalwa (St.Mary’s SS Kitende), John Rogers (Onduparaka FC), James Begisa (UPDF FC), Sammy Ssebaduka (Gil Vicente-Canada), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC), Richard Bbosa (Express FC), Simon Baligeya (Busia Young FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (Busoga United FC), Shafik Mavuma (Standard High School)

Midfielders: William Sseguya (Kampala Junior Team), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Wilber Wamala (Kataka FC), Davis Ssekaja (Bright Stars FC), Swamad Okur (Kataka FC), Ivan Eyam (Mbarara City FC), Steven Sserwada (KCCA FC), Faisal Wabyona (Big Talent Academy), Ashraf Zzizinga (Kampala Junior Team), Andrew Kawooya (KCCA FC)

Forwards: Isma Mugulusi (Busoga United FC), Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC), Joseph Kizza Bukenya (KCCA FC), Sunday Opio (KCCA FC), Godfrey Oyaka (KCCA FC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Mulindi (Kataka FC), Ivan Bogere (Proline FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC), Derrick Kakooza (Police FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (KCCA FC), Derrick Onyai (Mbarara City FC), Frank Ssebufu (Buddo SS), Richard Basangwa (Vipers SC), Jamal Masiko (Malmo Fria Laroverken Swedish FA), Alpha Ssali (Proline FC), Rodney Kamya Ssali (Proline FC)

Bloemfontein Celtic coach John Maduka is fretting over the fitness of goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane and midfielder Lantshene Phalane, ahead of meeting Orlando Pirates in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Mabokgwane might not face his former club after lasting 66 minutes in Sunday’s 1-1 MTN8 semi-final, first leg draw away at SuperSport United on Sunday.

It was a double injury blow after Phalane played just 28 minutes of the match and before being taken off complaining of pain on his groin.

“I have not met the medical team yet and I am not sure of [Phalane's] situation. I just heard that Jackson has been taken to hospital but Phalane is still with the team‚” said Maduka as per Sowetan Live.

“I have not gotten the [medical] reports yet to see how bad the injuries are. Yeah we will first check you know if there might be some few knocks here and there.

"It is very important for us to introduce the fresh legs. We have been playing every three days‚ so it is very important to go to the game against Pirates also refreshed a little bit.

“There might be some changes‚ one or two or three so that the team can be able to compete on Wednesday [against Pirates].”

Given Mashinkinya came on for Phalane on Sunday and could step in again if the midfielder fails to recover in time for the Pirates match.

A 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows and a 1-0 defeat by Swallows FC characterise Celtic’s PSL campaign so far.

Celtic host the Buccaneers who arrive in Bloemfontein on a high after convincingly beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the MTN8 semi-final, first leg match on Saturday.

Pirates are expecting forward Frank Mhango to be back after the Malawi forward missed the Chiefs match due to injury.

They will be without coach Josef Zinnbauer who has been granted leave to travel back to Germany to attend to his hospitalised son.

The Soweto giants are yet to win a league match after drawing their two matches games against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch on 1-1 scorelines.

Ola Aina, Tosin Adarabioyo and Ademola Lookman have been named in Fulham’s starting XI to face West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

The Cottagers have made a disappointing start to the 2020-21 season – losing five games and playing a draw to share the English top-flight base with Burnley.

Against the Baggies, Scott Parker’s men will be eyeing their first victory of the ongoing campaign.

In a 4-3-3 formation, Super Eagles defender Aina will pair Anglo-Nigerian and former Manchester City man Adarabioyo in the heart of Fulham's backline alongside Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson.

Cameroon international Andre-Frank Anguissa will hold sway in the midfield together with captain Tom Cairney and Gabon international Mario Lemina.

Nigeria prospect Lookman will play from the right side of the Whites’ attack with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harrison Reed completing the attacking setup.

Cote d'Ivoire's Jean Seri is not listed for the encounter as Congo's Neeskens Kebano and Anglo-Nigerian Josh Onomah are out owing to injury worries.

Manchester United head coach Casey Stoney believes the club are "probably ahead" of where she thought they would be at this point in their journey.

United only relaunched their women's team in May 2018, with Stoney, who won 130 caps for England before retiring, coming in shortly after as head coach.

The 38-year-old said she projected where the team could be as their journey went on and now, going into their third season and second since promotion to the Women's Super League, she believes they are doing better than she expected.

"When I first took the job, I had a very clear vision, a very clear timeline," Stoney said. "We set our long-term plan and strategy and so far we're on track - probably ahead of where I thought we might be. But that's credit to the group that I've got in this club."

United return to action on Wednesday after a lengthy break, their last game was a win at West Ham on October 18, facing Everton in the Continental Cup. Their opponents were in action over the weekend, pushing Manchester City all the way in Sunday's Women's FA Cup final before losing in extra time.

The game was further evidence that the gap they and United are trying to bridge to the big three - City, Arsenal and Chelsea - is being closed, while adding to Stoney and her team's desire to reach their own cup finals.

"It gives you added motivation," she said. "We went out too early for me. We had a tough draw against Manchester City in the opening round but they are the sort of days and cup finals that we want to be involved in.

“When I got to win [the FA Cup] at Wembley with Arsenal it was one of the greatest days of my career. I never thought as a little girl I would play at Wembley and walk up those steps to lift that trophy. I was lucky enough to play in front of a crowd there too. It’s the showcase game of the women’s calendar.

"When I was doing some punditry there a couple of years ago, it was the only time I have ever missed playing because I was pitch side on FA Cup final day.

"[Everton] are a good team. They soaked up a lot of pressure. They covered a lot of ground," she added, analysing Wednesday's opponents.

"I was really impressed with Sandy [MacIver] in goal. I thought she had a really good performance - good with her hands, good with her feet, an accomplished young player who didn’t seem fazed by the occasion one bit. You’re going to have to play well to score against her, you’re going to have to take your chances and be clinical.

"I also know they’ve got players to come back in like Claire Emslie, who has been in fine form for them and would add to them, because it looked like they took a lot of heavy knocks yesterday to be honest.

"It was a tough game for them. But I know every time we play them they want to beat us so they’ll raise themselves for the game and we need to do the same."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Mathare United have signed forward Danson Kago.

The 26-year-old is seen as a critical player for the Slum Boys as they re-build for the 2020/21 season. The 2008 league champions have confirmed the experienced winger will be with them for the forthcoming season.

"Kenya international Danson Kago has joined the club on a year-long deal," Mathare confirmed on their social media accounts.

"Kago, capped 15 times at Harambee Stars, adds pace, guile, and experience to our attacking department."

The former champions are confident the fleet-footed winger will take less time to settle at the club considering his roots can be traced back to the team.

"A one-time league champion and two-time domestic cup winner, Kago's quick feet are a welcome addition in both offensive wings," Mathare continued.

 "Having honed his skills at Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), Kago is expected to have a smooth transition as he settles down ahead of the new season.

"Welcome home Kago."

In 2011, Kago was with Posta Rangers before opting to join Sofapaka in the 2012 season up until 2015.

His display attracted Tusker FC, who signed him in 2016, and he went on to play two seasons for them. He eventually made a return to Posta Rangers in 2018 until this year when he was released alongside midfielder Brian Osumba, and Marcellus Ingotsi.

The Mailmen are restructuring for the 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season and they were letting go of players they felt were surplus to requirements.  

"It is better to ensure we have the players we need for the new campaign to realize the set objectives," coach Sammy Omollo told Goal.

"Osumba, Ingotsi and Kago have been released; the technical bench opted to let them go because in a way it felt they will not fit in well for next season. They are good players, but they will not fit in the system, we wish them the best wherever they will be playing.  

"They are good players, and their experience will come in handy in their new teams."  

The Kenyan transfer window comes to a close on Monday, November 2.

Renato Sanches says he is much happier now than he was during his ill-fated spell at Bayern Munich.

The Portugal midfielder joined Bayern after a string of impressive performances at Euro 2016, but he failed to deliver on the potential that saw him named that year’s European Golden Boy.

Sanches, now 23, suffered through a disastrous loan spell at Swansea before being sold to Lille in 2019, where he has rediscovered his best form.

This summer, Lille president Gerard Lopez claimed the Ligue 1 club had rejected offers of €70 million (£64m/$82m) for Sanches – and it seems he was happy to stay.

“Honestly, I feel better than a few years ago when I signed for Bayern,” Sanches told La Voix du Nord.

“Simply because I play more, and when I play more, I have more confidence in myself. This is really what has changed since then.

“What is important for me is to feel the trust of my team-mates and that they feel my trust too. That's what allows me to find my place in the team, but I always have this feeling that I can do better; it's my mentality, I still have a lot to learn. I just try to give the best, for myself, for the team.”

After struggling under the spotlight in the Bundesliga, Sanches is enjoying himself on the pitch once more.

Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1 in the cut-short 2019-20 season and are unbeaten in their first nine games this time around, sitting second behind Paris Saint-Germain.

“For me, it is important to have this combination of the serious side of the game but also the pleasure side of playing. I need to have fun and have that feeling on the pitch.

“So yes, sometimes there are good games, sometimes others aren’t as good for me, but I need to have this feeling of pleasure to improve myself day by day. Because that's what matters to me, to become better.

“I am an emotional person. I sometimes have trouble controlling my emotions. But I don't want to lose that side of my personality, because if I lose it, I'm going to lose myself too.

“With the coach (Christophe Galtier), there are also times when things heat up a bit, but he is aware of it, I am aware of it, and that is why I must also improve on that side.”

Marcus Rashford says Manchester United’s recent struggles have been “heartbreaking”, but he is optimistic they will bounce back from their latest setback.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were deservedly beaten at home by Arsenal on Sunday after a number of positive results in recent weeks.

United responded to their 6-1 humiliation against Tottenham by beating Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, but they have been disappointing at home in the Premier League.

In their last two games against Old Trafford – against Chelsea and Arsenal – United have mustered just six shots on target, and they have already been beaten three times on home soil in the league.

“This is something I've been doing since I was a kid and something I love to do,” Rashford told United’s official website.

“For it to maybe not go as well as I planned it to be, it's heartbreaking. I think it's a period where we need to get back to basics and find ways to win games."

“It's been tough," he added. "Obviously, we've had a lot of big games and games we need to get points in. It's been a bit up and down but it's like that sometimes.

“It's been an alright month but, for now, it's all about sticking together and finding a way to win games and really picking up the belief.

“We always bounce back when we don't do so well and I think it's another one of those times. We have to come together as a team, get back to the basics, and win games."

Rashford and United gave a glimpse of their potential in the Champions League, as the England forward came off the bench to score a stunning hat-trick in a 5-0 win.

“It was obviously a proud moment, something you dream about as a kid,” he said.

“I was very happy about it but the result was obviously a big result for us in terms of qualification in the Champions League. We need to back that up in the next game and hopefully get another three points.

“PSG was another tough game for us but we found a way to win the game. Sometimes, that one moment is all it takes. We definitely need to do that more and we need to start games a lot stronger than what we have been doing in order to get the points.”

Luis Suarez is helping to get the most out of Atletico Madrid team-mates Angel Correa and Joao Felix, according to head coach Diego Simeone.

The Uruguay international has scored four goals in seven appearances since joining Atleti from La Liga rivals Barcelona for a nominal fee in September .

He fired a blank in the 3-2 win over Red Bull Salzburg and was rested for the 3-1 victory over Osasuna last weekend, with Joao Felix stepping up with a brace in both games.

Correa laid on an assist for Joao Felix in each of those fixtures as he staked a claim to be the Portuguese youngster's attack partner.

However, Simeone insisted it is down to Suarez that others in the side are hitting top form and called on his players to help repay the favour.

"I believe that all this is generated from the presence of Suarez," he said at a pre-match news conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lokomotiv Moscow.

"With the likes of [Diego] Costa and [Alvaro] Morata before him, they had a lot of other characteristics, but we have been looking for other qualities.

"Luis has needed more people close to him, close to where he can hurt the opposition, and that is the team's goal.

"We had to adapt to play with [Radamel] Falcao, with Costa and now with Suarez."

Joao Felix scored in both games as Atletico won home and away against Lokomotiv in last season's Champions League.

The Russian side have collected one point from their first two Group A games and have lost nine of their past 11 European games against Spanish opponents, but Simeone is not taking them lightly.

"We are going to face a very competitive team," he said. "The records of the last 14 games speak for themselves. 

"Their losses were by the margin of one goal, they are always close and competitive games. 

"You have to go back 15 games game to see a 2-0 loss. A team that competes like this is always close to the goal. We will take the game where we think we can hurt them."

David Alaba has hit out at Bayern Munich over the handling of his contract talks, saying it felt like “a slap in the face” when the club suggested they wanted to include him in a swap deal.

Bayern announced on Sunday that they had taken the decision to withdraw their offer to the Austria international, after failing to strike a deal with the 28-year-old.

Alaba’s current agreement expires at the end of the season, meaning he could negotiate a transfer in January if no deal is struck.

The talks between the two parties have grown increasingly strained, with Alaba’s father reacting furiously to claims from Bayern president Uli Hoeness that the player was only interested in money. 

Alaba has also denied claims that he was seeking a five-year deal worth €125 million (£113m/$146m).

Following the news that Bayern had withdrawn their contract offer, Alaba spoke to Sky Sport Germany - saying he felt the club had shown a lack of respect.

“After the second or third conversation [about the new contract], I got a call and was asked if I could imagine being included in a swap deal,” Alaba said. “That probably was a slap in the face.

“The respect and appreciation I was looking for when the contract negotiations started was not going in the right direction. That was a year ago now. In times when coronavirus was still very far away.”

Despite expressing his frustration with how the negotiations had been handled, there may still be a chance that common ground can be found between club and player.

Asked if his time at the club was over, Alaba said: “I'm not thinking about that. I've only found out about it from the news yesterday evening and haven't had time to think. We'll see what happens in the future.”

Alaba is one of the finest defenders in the game, and last term Bayern manager Hansi Flick shifted him from left-back to centre-back.

With Alaba’s stock in the game extremely high, there will be no shortage of interest come January.

Juventus were strongly linked with Alaba last season, but there is likely to be stiff competition should he become available on a free transfer.

For Flick, the coach will hope that the contract row does not have a detrimental impact on Alaba’s performances. 

The first test will be a trip to RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday.

South Africa women's head coach Desiree Ellis has revealed her side are "working towards" celebrating a winning start against Angola in their opening Cosafa Women's Cup match on Tuesday.

Banyana Banyana are keen to claim a fourth straight title in their 2020 campaign after a narrow 1-0 final win over Zambia last year.

The 57-year-old trainer has named a 20-player squad, with two goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders and three strikers for the competition scheduled to be held from November 3 to 14.

Despite late preparation and the absence of top stars, the two-time Caf Women's Coach of the Year winner is confident her side can open their title defence with a victory at Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We played Comoros last year [won 17-0] and I am sure they would have improved,” Ellis told Cosafa.com. 

“Angola was also in the tournament last year. Eswatini was in the same group with Angola, but you cannot take any team lightly. You do so at your peril.

“We have a young group of players and the opportunity now to expose them to international competition and we want to make sure we plan properly. Then it is up to the players to execute.

“The first game of the tournament is always the most important and we are working towards that.”

Defending champions and hosts Banyana will take on Angola at 15:30 local time at Wolfson Stadium.

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

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

“Due to the impact of Covid-19 that has seen delay in the resumption of footballing activities and in particular, the end of season play-off matches between Kisumu All-Stars and Vihiga United whose final match is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, we wish to inform the primary registration and transfer period initially slated to close on November 2, 2020, has been extended to close on Friday, November 6., 2020,” read the statement obtained by Goal.

“The registration/transfer window for the club that will retain position/gain promotion in/to the FKF Premier League shall be extended to Friday, November 13, 2020.

“Kindly take note that the transfer deadline for international transfers remains tonight, November 2, 2020, at midnight, all clubs are advised to ensure that they conclude their deals before the deadline.”

The play-off battle between Kisumu All-Stars and Vihiga United is now headed to the second leg with All-Stars carrying the advantage having won the first meeting played in Mumias 2-1.

Despite the lead, All-Stars coach Andrew Aruka has maintained they still have a lot to do in the second leg to be assured of keeping their status in the top league.

“The two away goals do give us an advantage but we are not out of the woods yet and we must get the job done in the second leg,” Aroka is quoted by FKF Premier League social media pages.

“Football is unpredictable and anything can happen in the next game, so we can’t afford to be complacent.”

On his part, Vihiga coach Sammy Okoth blamed the team’s early penalty for the defeat, saying it disorganized his plans as the players started to give away balls in the middle of the pack.

“The early penalty undid our game plan completely,” Okoth explained. “We rushed into every decision we made after that and it played hugely to the benefit of our opponents.

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

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.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted at a possible return to international football with Sweden in a cryptic tweet to his followers on Monday.

Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from the international stage in 2016, after becoming his country's all-time record scorer with 62 goals in 116 appearances.

The 39-year-old led the line for Sweden at the 2006 World Cup and also appeared in four European Championships, but never made it beyond the quarter-finals of the competition.

Janne Andersson led the squad to the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals in Ibrahimovic's absence, and has since overseen a successful Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, but the tournament has been pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sweden will be busy until then with a series of friendlies and UEFA Nations League commitments, and Ibrahimovic has seemingly opened the door to a return to the squad with a mysterious message on social media at the start of the week.

The AC Milan striker has posted an image of himself wearing his country's No.10 shirt on Twitter, with the caption: "Long time no see."

Supporters will hope that Ibrahimovic intends to make himself available for selection ahead of the latest round of international matches, with Sweden scheduled to take on Denmark in a friendly clash on November 11 before a Nations League double-header against Croatia and France.

The veteran forward's last goals for the Yellow and Blues came in a 2-2 Euro 2016 qualifying play-off draw against Denmark, with his brace sending the team through to the finals 4-3 on aggregate.

Ibrahimovic's chances of making his way back into the Sweden squad will be boosted by his impressive exploits in front of goal for Milan at the start of the new season.

He has hit seven goals in his last four Serie A outings, with his latest effort helping the Rossoneri beat Udinese 2-1 to extend their lead at the top of the table to two points.

Ibrahimovic will be back in contention for a place in Stefano Pioli's line-up when Milan play host to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Niklas Sule has been forced out of Bayern Munich’s upcoming fixtures in the Champions League and Bundesliga after testing positive for Covid-19.

The 25-year-old defender is now in self-isolation. He becomes the latest high-profile star from the world of football to have contracted coronavirus with further lockdown measures being put in place across Europe.

The German title holders will have to cope without their commanding centre-half for the foreseeable future, with domestic and continental plans being impacted.

A statement from Bayern on their official website read: “Niklas Sule has tested positive for Covid-19. The 25-year-old Bayern Munich defender is self-isolating at home and is doing well.”

Hansi Flick’s side are due to be in Champions League action against Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday. Sule will play no part in that contest, or a potentially crucial clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Domestic football will shut down after that fixture for the November international break, giving Bayern time to work on getting their squad back up to full strength.

Flick’s side have been faultless through their last eight games in all competitions since suffering a shock defeat to Hoffenheim at the end of September.

A familiar standing has been taken up at the top of the Bundesliga table, with goal difference edging them above Dortmund while maximum points have been taken from two European outings.

Sule has made nine appearances to date this season and played the full 90 minutes as Bayern edged past Koln 2-1 in their latest fixture.

He will not be adding to that tally any time soon but will consider another international break to have come at a good time.

Having figured regularly for Germany of late, he would have expected to figure in Joachim Low’s plans for the next round of friendlies and Nations League games.

However, he now looks almost certain to miss the friendly at home to Czech Republic and the Nations League clashes against Ukraine and away to Spain. Germany are second in their Nations League table, a point behind Spain with two fixtures to play, as they aim to qualify for the finals tournament scheduled for next year.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) FC have completed the signing of Faruku Katongole on a one-year loan deal.

The four-time Ugandan Premier League (UPL) title champions have been busy in the market as they build a strong team to challenge for the top positions in the forthcoming campaign. It is for this reason they have opted to add Katongole to their team.

"Faruku Katongole has joined URA FC on a one-year season-long loan deal from Tooro United and will add to our defence that will compete in the forthcoming Uganda Premier League 2020/2021 season," the club confirmed on their official website page.

The Tax Collectors went on to explain what the player will bring on-board ahead of the forthcoming season.

"He is a very solid player in the defensive sense and that will help keep the opposition at bay, he needs little or no invitation at all to throw his body on the line for the defence.  

"He appreciates the idea of effort and gives 100% given an opportunity to represent his team. He plays with a lot of adrenaline flowing and that will help the team.  

"He is good at decision making especially in the decisive defensive decisions and that is something to add to his game."

After completing his move, the defender stated he has come to add quality and competition to the team.

"I am so excited to join one of the biggest teams in Uganda," Katongole said after sealing the deal.

"URA really have some good defenders but I have come to add on the quality and competition on the squad. 

"I know we have good players in Mbowa Patrick, Hudu Mulikyi, Nyakoojo Benjamin, and I have to work so hard to get playing time." 

URA have already signed Jackson Nunda, Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Nkuubi Brian, Mukwala Steven, Arafat Galiwango, and Davis Ssali.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) confirmed the Premier League will start on December 3.

This is the third time the schedule of the 2020/21 season has been amended given Fufa had initially planned for an October 17 kick-off.

Vipers SC are the defending champions.

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has criticised Mohamed Salah for falling in ‘an unnatural way’ to win a penalty in the Reds’ 2-1 comeback victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

Salah cancelled out Pablo Fornals' opener for the Hammers with his 42nd-minute strike from the penalty spot, which took his tally to seven goals in seven league appearances.

The penalty decision has been questioned by Souness who thinks the two-time African Footballer of the Year went down too easily in the 18-yard box after a challenge from DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku.

The former Reds midfielder feels Masuaku was careless with his tackle while Salah threw himself to the ground to score his third penalty in the Premier League this season.

“I don't give that if I'm a referee in the Premier League. I've seen Salah do this time and time again,” Souness was quoted by Daily Mail .

“This is totally an unnatural way to fall. Look, he doesn't actually kick him, the West Ham player makes contact with his ankle.

“I think it's careless and given an enormous invitation for Salah to throw himself to the ground.

“For me, I think it's a really harsh penalty and that's coming from a Liverpool supporter.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards absolved Salah of any blame but faulted Masuaku for the rash contact.

“Masuaku does not need to do that there. Whether you think it's a penalty or not, the referee is there to judge whether he thinks it's a penalty,” Richards said.

“He's making the referee's decision for him. He doesn't need to do it.”

Diogo Jota completed Liverpool's result with the match-winning effort in the 85th minute, however, West Ham United boss David Moyes was left disappointed and amazed by the penalty decision .