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The Caf Champions League final as well as the semi-final second leg encounter between Zamalek and Raja Casablanca have been postponed until further notice, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed on Thursday.

The finale billed for the Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria was due to be held on November 6 but has been pushed back as more Raja Casablanca players tested positive for the coronavirus.

The last four second leg encounter between Raja and Zamalek had been postponed as eight players from the Moroccan outfit were quarantined by the Moroccan health authorities after contracting the virus. However, the number of positive cases swelled to 14 after Tuesday’s round of tests.

After meeting with both teams, the continent’s football ruling body decided to defer the last two games.

“Discussions continue between clubs and Caf experts to find a pattern complying with regulations and returning to play spirit. At this stage, the postponement of the semi-final Zamalek vs Raja is certain. Constructive spirit on both sides. To be continued,” Caf tweeted.

“At the request of Egyptian authorities, the final is now postponed. Official discussions are underway to find a new and suitable date. Stakeholders are working in good faith and consultations are ongoing.”

Several leagues across Africa were placed on a hiatus following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which claimed several lives as well as stopped outdoor activities worldwide.

Achraf Bencharki scored the only goal that gave Zamalek a 1-0 victory over Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their Caf Champions League semi-final fixture on October 18.

Bencharki broke the deadlock at Stade Mohamed V in the 18th minute with his header off Ahmed Sayed Zizo's cross.

The effort was the Morocco international's seventh goal on his seventh appearance in the Champions League this season. The winners over two legs will face Al Ahly in the final.

Kings of the 2019–20 Champions League will qualify for the 2020 Fifa Club World Cup in Qatar, and also earn the right to play against the winners of the 2019–20 Caf Confederation Cup, RS Berkane in the 2020–21 Caf Super Cup.

Former Asante Kotoko defender Christopher Bonney has no concerns about three Ghana goalkeepers presently fighting it out for the club's no.1 spot.

The Porcupine Warriors recently announced the acquisition of former Tanzania-based goalkeeper Razak Abalora, who joined the club a day after making his international debut for Ghana in a friendly fixture against Qatar earlier this month.

The ex-Wafa shot-stopper joins up with Kotoko captain and goalkeeper Felix Annan, who represented the Black Stars at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt and Kwame Baah, who impressed for the Black Meteors at the 2019 U23 Afcon and has sensationally taken over the club's no.1 spot from captain Annan in a running episode.

Ghana U20 goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad is technically still in the contest for Kotoko's goalkeeping spot despite being highly reported to be on his way out of the club on loan.

There have been concerns the fight for top spot between the goalkeepers could lead to negative competition or thwart the development of the second and third choice shot-stoppers.

"I have heard people expressing worries about my former club keeping three national goalkeepers but I don’t think it is a problem at all because this is not the first time Kotoko have three goalkeepers who are actively involved in their various national teams," Bonney told Onua FM.

“During my time at Kotoko the late Soulama [Abdoulaye] was the no.1 goalkeeper for Burkina Faso while [Isaac] Amoako and [Joseph] Addo were also local Black Stars [home-based Ghana B side] keepers so I don’t see anything wrong with the team having three national goalkeepers."

Before Kotoko signed Abalora, there have been rumours of tension between Annan and Baah over the choice of the latter over the former who lost his position after a brief time away to tie the knot with his girlfriend.

The signing of Abalora has only reportedly heightened situations.

Recently, Annan called out head coach Maxwell Konadu over his relegation to the bench in a media interview.

"If you want to talk about five of the best coaches in Ghana, Maxwell Konadu will fall in there," former Medeama head coach Prince Owusu told Citisports on Konadu.

“So if he gets a job at Kotoko to coach, definitely he can take the pressure.

“He will do his best and his best will be enough for the Asante Kotoko fans.”

Kotoko are preparing for their campaigns in the 2020-21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) and Caf Champions League. 

Arsenal beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday would be an “upset”, says Kevin Campbell, with Mikel Arteta still “learning on the job” when it comes to competing with the Premier League elite.

A highly rated Spanish coach has shown that he can mix it with the very best in the business.

Liverpool and Manchester City represent notable scalps on his managerial CV, with a man who cut his coaching teeth alongside Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium showing that he can learn quickly.

Arteta did, however, take on a sizeable rebuilding project at Arsenal, and that job remains a work in progress.

Consistency has remained an issue for the Gunners, particularly away from home against fellow members of the so-called ‘Big Six’.

Another opportunity to start righting those wrongs will present itself when paying a visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, with United looking a little out of sorts on home soil.

Campbell, though, believes any visitor to the red half of Manchester should expect a rough ride, with Arsenal not yet in a position where they can make such trips full of expectation, rather than hope.

The former Gunners striker told Gentingbet: “I think the upset will be if Arsenal win, and deny Manchester United – it will mean they haven’t won a Premier League game at home all season.

“Manchester United beating Arsenal wouldn’t be an upset, but if Arsenal beat Manchester United then it would be. I wouldn’t mind an upset but it’s going to be a very difficult game.”

Arsenal have shown that they are capable of beating any opponent on their day, with plenty of quality in their star-studded squad, but Arteta is still finding his feet in a Premier League dugout as he approaches the one-year anniversary of his reign.

“Everyone must understand that Arteta is learning on the job so he will make mistakes, that's for sure,” Campbell added, with the Gunners having suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Leicester last time out.

“I think the team he picked was a good team and they were strong enough to win the game against Leicester. I just don't think Arsenal are playing well enough right now.

“So, it's not really exposing his inexperience, I just think, it’s a situation that Arsenal have to get through and that’s all.”

Martin Keown has suggested that Arteta is making life difficult for himself by tinkering with his tactical approach, with the Spaniard accused of repeating the mistakes that cost Unai Emery his job, but Campbell is not buying that and believes experimentation is all part of the process.

He added: “I disagree with Martin Keown, I think Arteta has proven that, albeit in cup competitions, but he can win by switching systems.

“The problem is, the team aren't playing well enough at the moment. So, it doesn't matter what system you play, when the team aren’t playing well then, they’re just not getting the result.”

Philippe Clement has blamed Club Brugge’s 1-1 draw against Lazio in Wednesday’s Champions League game on the inexperience of his side, which has young players like Emmanuel Dennis, Krepin Diatta and Charles De Ketelaere.

The Belgian champions started the top-European competition on an impressive note, securing victory over Zenit Saint Petersburg.

The Blue and Black then managed to clinch a point at Jan Breydel Stadium with Hans Vanaken’s strike cancelling out Joaquin Correa’s opener in the encounter.

Nigeria international Dennis, 22, featured for 88 minutes before he was replaced while Senegal midfielder Diatta, 21, was on parade for the entirety of the game.

The result ensured Club Brugge are second in the Group E standings with four points from two games, and they are behind Lazio.

Clement believes his side could have done better against the Stadio Olimpico outfit had they had more experienced players in their ranks.

"It's 90 per cent proud and 10 per cent disappointment. That disappointment is there because we have to improve in that one aspect: efficiency. This has to do with experience," Clement told the media.

"Charles De Ketelaere is 19-years-old, Emmanuel Dennis is 22-years-old, Krepin Diatta is 21-years-old. They don't always have that cold-bloodedness.

"Across the pitch was a team whose youngest player was 24-years-old. Lazio was a team with more experience."

Dennis has featured eight times for the club in the current campaign across all competitions and was on the scoresheet in their opener against Zenit.

Diatta, meanwhile, has made 11 appearances for the Blue and Black across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, including two in the Champions League.

The African stars will be expected to help Club Brugge return to winning ways in the European competition when they face Borussia Dortmund on November 4.

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been nominated for the Major Soccer League Newcomer of the Year and Works Humanitarian of the Year awards.

Since joining Montreal Impact in March from Tottenham Hotspur, Wanyama has gone on to play in 20 games for the Canadian side and his exploits have earned him places in the two categories.

Although the Canadian side has posted not so good results in the ongoing season, the Kenya captain has been a first-teamer unlike during his last seasons in the Premier League with Spurs.

Wanyama’s participation alongside his teammates in the Black Lives Matters campaign earned him a place in the MLS Works Humanitarian of the Year awards category.

“End of Year Awards will be determined through voting between October 29 to November 9 from three groups: Current MLS players, MLS clubs [coaches, technical directors/general managers] and elect media members representing local and national outlets who consistently covered the 2020 MLS regular season,” the MLS announced.

“Additionally, the MLS will recognise the top plays of the season with the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year and MLS Save of the Year.”

Newcomer of the Year nominees:

Oswaldo Alanís (SJ), Robert Berić (CHI), Antonio Carlos (ORL), Lucas Cavallini (VAN), Maikel Chang (RSL, Yimmi Chara (POR), José Cifuentes (LAFC), Cristian Dájome (VAN), Jürgen Damm (ATL), Nicolás Figal (MIA), Gastón Giménez (CHI), Francisco Ginella (LAFC)

Jakob Glesnes (PHI), Emiliano Insúa (LA), Gadi Kinda (SKC), Yuya Kubo (CIN), Randall Leal (NSH), José Martínez (PHI), Lewis Morgan (MIA), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Younes Namli (COL), João Paulo (SEA), Pablo Piatti (TOR)

Alan Pulido (SKC), Emanuel Reynoso (MIN), Andrés Ricaurte (DAL), Thiago Santos (DAL), Jared Stroud (RBNY), Gudmundur Thórarinsson (NYC), Júnior Urso (ORL), Victor Wanyama (MTL), William Yarbrough (COL), Dru Yearwood (RBNY), Lucas Zelarayan (CLB)

MLS Works Humanitarian of the Year nominees:

Kellyn Acosta (COL), Tesho Akindele (ORL), Jalil Anibaba (NSH), Julian Araujo (LA), Micheal Azira (CHI), Kyle Beckerman (RSL), Teal Bunbury (NE), Nkosi Burgess (DAL), Warren Creavalle (PHI), Jeremy Ebobisse (POR), Brad Guzan (ATL), Nick Hagglund (CIN), Mark-Anthony Kaye (LAFC)

Kendall McIntosh (RBNY), Tyler Miller (MIN), Justin Morrow (TOR), Chris Odoi-Atsem (DC), Tosaint Ricketts (VAN), Luis Robles (MIA), Cristian Roldan (SEA), Khiry Shelton (SKC), Brad Stuver (NYC), Zarek Valentin (HOU), Victor Wanyama (MTL), Chris Wondolowski (SJ), Gyasi Zardes (CLB)

Juventus sunk to a near-two-decade Champions League low in a defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday, as the Bianconeri saw their mixed start to the season compounded with a humiliating result on home soil against Lionel Messi and Co.

Andrea Pirlo's side may have snatched another Serie A crown last term but it very well looks like it could be a different story this time around as they continue to struggle to rediscover their best form under their new manager.

Though their 2-0 loss to the Blaugranna represented their first such result of the campaign, the manner of their capitulation to a visiting side who themselves have been off the pace in the midst of protracted off-field issues will undoubtedly have touched a nerve for the faithful that usually fill Allianz Stadium to the brim.

Having parted ways with Maurizio Sarri following his underperformance in his only season in charge in Turin, the magnitude of Pirlo's task was laid apparent in a game that saw Juve pick up an unwanted record that has laid undisturbed for the better part of this century.

Though they faced some remarkable misfortunes - a hat-trick of offside goals chalked off for Alvaro Morata among them - the club still failed to register a single shot on target across the full game, as Ronald Koeman's team outplayed them in terms of possession, pass accuracy and attempts on the opposition net.

Shorn of Cristiano Ronaldo they may have been, but Juve's performance called to mind the spectre of when they last faced Barca on their home turf, almost three years ago in another Champions League group stage clash.

On that occasion, they escaped with a point from a goalless draw, but frequently found themselves penned back with just a shade over a third of the total ball throughout the encounter.

It remained one of the more chastening matches, in particular given that then-head coach Ernesto Valverde elected to rest the talismanic Messi for a game that ultimately confirmed their place in the last-16.

Now, nearly three seasons later, the Argentine was on hand to deliver the finishing blow and cap a much-needed morale boost for the visitors - but for the home side, his evergreen presence simply served to remind Juve and Pirlo that they have much work to do if they hope to find themselves as true European contenders of the highest order once again.

Bafana Bafana international Darren Keet has officially parted ways with Oud-Heverlee Leuven.

The Belgian club announced the termination of the experienced goalkeeper's contract on Thursday. 

Keet had only joined Leuven in August last year and he helped the team secure promotion to Pro League which is also known First Division A. 

Leuven released the following statement with the club having recently signed keepers Daniel Iversen and Rafael Romo this season.

"OH Leuven and Darren Keet have decided in mutual consultation to terminate the South African's current contract," Leuven said in an official statement.

"The club and player came to the decision that there is no future for Keet at Den Dreef, after the arrival of Iversen and Romo."

"The South African international arrived in Leuven at the end of July last year and played in 10 league games for OH Leuven. In this time, he kept three clean sheets."

"The club would like to thank Keet for his efforts and dedication, and wish him every success in his further career."

The 31-year-old made only seven appearances in the First Division B last season with Laurent Henkinet being preferred ahead of him.

Henkinet was snapped up by Belgian giants ahead of the current campaign and Keet would have been hoping to replace him as the club's first-choice keeper.

However, Leuven signed Iversen and Romo, who have played five matches each in the league compared to Keet's one.

The Cape Town-born player was included in the Bafana squad which faced Namibia and Zambia in international friendly matches earlier this month.

Keet, who joined Leuven after deciding against renewing his contract with Bidvest Wits in July 2019, started in goal for South Africa as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Zambia's Chipolopolo.

The towering shot-stopper was recently included in the Bafana squad ahead of next month's two clashes with Sao Tome and Principe.

South Africa will take on Sao Tome and Principe in back-to-back 2021 Africa of Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Keet, who has 12 caps for Bafana, has been called up by coach Molefi Ntseki along with Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune and SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. 

Florent Indalecio says he is ready to grasp his “second opportunity” at Newcastle after previously playing in the Australian fourth division while working part-time as a bricklayer.

The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the north east side after a successful trial and will initially link up with the club’s Under-23 squad.

He is close friends with Magpies winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who signed a new six-year contract earlier this month, though manager Steve Bruce insists he didn’t offer Indalecio a deal because of that friendship.

His arrival at St James’ Park marks a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Indalecio, whose career was very nearly over before it began when he was diagnosed with a tumour in his knee shortly after his release by hometown club Saint-Etienne at the age of 15.

"It was hard for me, very difficult,” he told Newcastle's website. “I was in my house for a month and a half and I had a brace on my leg. After that, I was going to the physiotherapist everyday, doing rehabilitation work about two times a day for maybe six to eight months.

"I was in the gym a lot because I lost most of the muscle in my leg when I stayed at home. I put on about 13 kilograms in one year and I was coming back stronger to restart football."

After fully recovering, Indalecio had a short spell in America before attempting to revive his career in Australia, signing for semi-professional fourth-tier side Fraser Park FC in Sydney.

When not playing and training he worked part-time as a bricklayer, often in swelteringly hot conditions.

"I never worked in construction before I moved to Australia so I said 'OK, I will try it'. I never spoke any English either before I moved there so I just had to learn on the construction site with the people I met," he said.

"It was very tough because I would do that job first, then after to make more money and live better I had a second labouring job. The first one would be from 7am to 3pm. I would go back to my apartment, take a shower and then work at 6pm until 2am.

"I did this to help my family and my parents, especially my mum. It was hard because I would only sleep about three hours per day.

"All year in Australia it is hot and I would be working in 30-35 degree heat. Sometimes you had no time to drink because the bricklayers would be asking for cement or bricks. I had a very strict boss so I learnt a lot from Australia. I know the real life when you wake up at half five in the morning and you go to work.”

Now back in Europe, Indalecio says his experience in Australia has made him even more determined to succeed and has set his sights on earning a place in the Magpies first-team squad.

"I said to the club that I don't want to sign for fun or for the money. I really wanted to sign for Newcastle to prove that I can play one day at the highest level possible,” he said.

"I'm enjoying my time here. I appreciate all my teammates and already have good relationships with them and the staff too.

"I'm feeling good in Newcastle and I am very happy to be here. I'm just focused on playing football and I know the real work starts right now."

Samuel Chukwueze has been handed a starting role in Villarreal’s Europa League game against Qarabag on Thursday.

The 21-year-old winger made an impressive second-half appearance in his side’s goalless draw against Cadiz in a La Liga game on Sunday.

The Nigeria international has subsequently been rewarded for his stand-out performance in the encounter, having been included in the team to start against the Azerbaijani side.

Chukwueze has made 11 appearances in the European competition since making his debut against Rangers in 2018.

This season, the forward has featured in nine games across all competitions for Unai Emery’s men, including two in the Europa League.

Villarreal currently lead Group I with three points following their victory over Sivasspor in their opening Europa League game. 

In the 2019-20 campaign, Chukwueze made 41 appearances for the Yellow Submarine across all competitions to help them finish fifth in La Liga.

The forward has been with Villarreal since 2017 when he teamed up with the club from Diamond Football Academy following his eye-catching performances for Nigeria at the U17 World Cup in 2015.

Chukwueze will hope to help Villarreal secure their second win in the European competition at Tofiq Bakhramov Stadium.

Mesut Ozil’s humbling fall from grace at Arsenal has former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell refusing to refer to the German by name, with those at Emirates Stadium being urged to move on from a distracting saga.

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta has decided to leave the World Cup winner out of his plans for Europa League and Premier League competition.

Eyebrows have been raised by those bold selection calls, with questions being asked of why an experienced 32-year-old is being completely frozen out.

Many have suggested that Ozil could still have a role to play for the Gunners, given his undoubted ability, but he is now firmly stuck in the shadows at Emirates Stadium.

It appears likely, given that his contract is running down towards free agency in 2021, that he will never be seen again in an Arsenal shirt.

With that taken into account, Campbell wants a divisive character to be pushed out of sight and mind in north London, allowing focus to be narrowed on those who can still contribute to the collective cause.

The former Gunners striker told Gentingbet when asked if Arteta could find himself low on creativity with a player of Ozil’s ilk left kicking his heels on the sidelines: “Arsenal aren’t struggling for creativity at all and I'm not even going to mention that man's name.

“For me, the key is that there are players there who can create, but they haven't been playing well.

“Now, there was no rush to call in the omitted name this season, but now that the team isn’t playing so well, his name gets keep keeps getting mentioned. So, I don’t buy into it all.

“I think that when the team are playing well, Arsenal will create and score goals. When they're not playing well, every team will struggle and that's the issue.”

Arsenal drew a blank in their last Premier League outing, as they were beaten 1-0 by Leicester at Emirates Stadium.

They have a Europa League meeting with Dundalk to try and get back into the groove on Thursday, before taking in another testing domestic encounter on Sunday when they head to Old Trafford to face arch-rivals Manchester United.

Sebastian Osigwe has been handed his maiden Nigeria call up ahead of November’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Sierra Leone, while Victor Osimhen and Joe Aribo return to the squad.

The Switzerland-born goalkeeper last represented the country at U20 level where he was part of John Obuh’s team to the 2013 Toulon tournament. However, he did not make the Flying Eagles’ cut to the U20 World Cup in Turkey.

In the 2020-21 Swiss Super League campaign, the 26-year-old has featured four times for Lugano, conceding six goals in the process. Nevertheless, he would be hoping to beat Daniel Akpeyi and Maduka Okoye to earn his maiden cap.

Elsewhere, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Rangers’ Joe Aribo are back to the team having missed last week’s game against Algeria and Tunisia. They join regular selections Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi in the 24-team squad.

APOEL goalkeeper Francis Uzoho headlines the seven players placed on standby. Others are Abdullahi Shehu, Ramon Azeez, Samson Tijani, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Nwakali and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

The Super Eagles 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); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Standby: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Samson Tijani (TSV Hartberg, Austria); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus); Ramon Azeez (Granada CF, Spain); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Tusker FC have confirmed they have not contacted coach Francis Kimanzi regarding coaching his charges.

There were rumours indicating the 11-time champions were on the verge of appointing the immediate former Harambee Stars coach as their tactician. However, the Brewers have confirmed it is not true, that they are not keen on changing the technical bench.

"No, we have not approached Kimanzi to take over as our head coach," Tusker FC chairman Daniel Aduda told Goal on Thursday. 

"We have a contract with [Robert] Matano and we are not intending to end it. So as it is, Matano is our coach and everything else, regarding the changes, is not true at all."

Meanwhile, the tactician has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted last weekend.

"Matano is okay now, he was discharged from hospital yesterday [Wednesday]," Aduda revealed.

"We believe he will recover fast enough to help us continue preparations for the new season."

The Brewers have so far signed Kevin Monyi and Christopher Oruchum from Western Stima Stima and AFC Leopards respectively in preparations for the 2020/21 campaign.

Monyi, a defender, is the latest to leave Western Stima and joins Robert Matano’s side for the next two years.  

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

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

With Monyi and Oruchum already at the club, Matano has moved with speed to strengthen the backline, especially with the recent contract extension of full-back Eugene Asike.

The Ruaraka-based charges and Sofapaka FC have been rumoured to be interested in Onduparaka FC striker Julius Malingumu. 

The Brewers, however, are in advanced talks with the Ugandan attacker even though Sofapaka and another unnamed KPL side have approached him.

Tusker will also need to find a replacement for their previous top scorer Timothy Otieno, who left to join Zambian Super League side Napsa Stars.

The Nairobi-based charges, who will be playing their home games at Kinoru Stadium in Meru, will be aiming at winning the league this season.  

Premier League clubs have launched the ‘Wear Your Local Jersey’ and 'Buy Uganda, Build Uganda' campaigns that are expected to help the teams improve on their financial health.

The initiative that was launched on Thursday at Lugogo Stadium is aimed at urging the supporters to buy merchandise belonging to their clubs in order to help increase revenues from the same materials.

The initiative ‘Buy Uganda, Build Uganda’ is purposely meant to promote the local football industry through urging the Ugandans to support local football through the initiative before and during the 2020/21 season.

It is also meant to have a collective voice as the Ugandan football clubs drive the same cause.

The aim is to generate revenue and grow the brand of Ugandan football through various stakeholders proudly purchasing the local apparel and wearing it to give visibility to the clubs in order to attract overall value.

Vipers SC, Police FC, URA FC, SC Villa, Express FC, and Wakiso Giants are the pioneer clubs that have so far agreed to push the goals of the initiative by rallying their fans around the call.

In a statement, former Premier League champions KCCA explained in detail the importance of the move that has been made public ahead of the new season.

“KCCA together with the other clubs in the Ugandan Premier League have championed a campaign called ‘Wear Your Local Jersey’ as a drive that will ensure local football stakeholders support and build the Ugandan football industry,” the club’s statement read as obtained by Goal.

“Uganda football fans are urged to buy local apparel from their various Premier League clubs and proudly wear them to promote and grow the Ugandan football.

“In challenging times like these where the Covid-19 pandemic has struck the local football industry hard since March 20 2020, where sports activities were suspended, merchandise is one of the ways that the clubs can generate funds.

“This comes at a time when fans will not be able to watch football live in stadiums but can extend their support to their clubs through buying merchandise.”

The Kampala club further explained how they intend to use funds that will be collected from their own fans.

“Additionally, 5% of KCCA club’s revenue from the sale of the jerseys will go towards supporting Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs) by the end of the 2020/21 season,” it concluded.

“This is one of the many campaigns that Ugandan clubs intend to do in driving a collective voice for a cause we believe will grow the local game and industry at large.”

The Ugandan leagues are expected to begin in mid-November after the conclusion of the playoffs.

Pep Guardiola may not have a history of sticking around in any one post, but Shaun Goater says the Catalan can make his spell at Manchester City even more successful than his stint with Barcelona.

After being promoted to the top job at Camp Nou in 2008, an unprecedented era of trophy-collecting was enjoyed by the Blaugrana and their home-grown coach.

Across four memorable years, Guardiola delivered 14 pieces of silverware – including three titles in La Liga, two Champions League crowns and a couple of Club World Cup triumphs.

After leaving Barca in 2012, an enviable CV was enhanced during another productive reign at Bayern Munich.

City snapped Guardiola up in 2016 and, after a trophyless debut campaign, have seen him land two Premier League titles and four successes in domestic cups.

European glory has remained elusive however, but as the 49-year-old tactician enters the final year of his current contract, Goater believes City can convince a proven winner to stay put.

The former Blues striker told Gentingbet: “Pep is the only one who knows whether he will leave Manchester City, but I like to think that Pep will stay.

“I know he's not known for being at clubs for five to eight years, but I really like to think that he has found a home at Manchester City.

“When I say at home, I think a home that will rival his time at Barcelona and the reason I think it can even surpass that is because his bosses are people that that he's known for years and worked with for years. I think that honesty and closeness will be good for him.

“For him to go to another club, that's the family that's also uprooted. And what I know is that his family are pretty settled and they get along with the hierarchy at the club as well because they've all been friends for years.

“So, I don't think it's just as easy as Pep saying, he’ll go back to work in Spain, Italy or some other country, I think it's a little bit more complicated than that. I think he is happy and he’s found the club that he can really build things and go on to go beyond the Champions League when that happens as well.”

Goater also believes that star turns on the field can be convinced to extend their association with City even if Guardiola were to walk away and seek out a new challenge in 2021.

He added: “I don’t think that players would necessarily leave if Pep would, but any player knows when you work with a manager, you know if you really love this manager because of how he is, how he treats you, his tactics, his knowledge and his day to day operations with players.

“If I was playing under Pep, I would be really enjoying working under him. He really challenges players with the demands but they know that with it comes trophies and being in finals.

“However, I think it's down to their individual relationships with Pep and how they get on. So it’s a tough one to say whether they'll follow him or not.”

Ghana and Crystal Palace attacker Jordan Ayew has recovered from the coronavirus, the Premier League club has announced.

The striker tested positive for the disease upon his return from international duty with Ghana who faced Mali and Asian champions Qatar in international friendly matches earlier this month.

His return boosts Palace ahead of Friday's English league clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. It will help Ghana ahead of November's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan.

"Roy Hodgson's pre-Wolverhampton Wanderers press conference was full of positives, with Hodgson confirming that five first-team players are now back available," Palace announced in team news on their official website on Tuesday ahead of Friday's match.

"After picking up an injury on international duty, James McCarthy has returned to training this week, plus Gary Cahill and James Tomkins are fully fit for tomorrow night’s game.

"Furthermore, following positive Covid-19 tests, Jordan Ayew and Jack Butland are both available and among the squad following their periods of self-isolation.

"The Eagles will be without the long-term injured players in Wayne Hennessey and Connor Wickham, whilst Hodgson also suggested that the trip to Molineux comes too soon for Joel Ward.

"Tyrick Mitchell will be subject to a late fitness test, and will be assessed tomorrow morning before the squad travel, after taking a knock in training yesterday."

Ghana succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Mali in their first friendly match before bouncing back with a 5-1 victory over Qatar.

Ayew sat out Palace’s league games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Fulham due to the infection, and was one of about seven Black Stars players confirmed positive for coronavirus upon their return from international duty. He is the second of the contingent to be announced recovered, following Guimaraes left-back Gideon Mensah.

Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah, Celta Vigo defender Joseph Aidoo, Hoffenheim centre-back Kasim Nuhu Adams and Trabzonspor forward Caleb Ekuban all also tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the Ghana camp.

Ghana are hoping to have all the sick players recovered in time ahead of the back-to-back Afcon qualifying matches against Sudan.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says he “feels very hurt” when he cannot select Dele Alli, but has challenged the England international to grasp the opportunity when it is presented to him.

Alli's future at Spurs has been the subject of much speculation since he was substituted at half-time during the 1-0 defeat against Everton on the opening weekend of the new season.

The England international was subsequently dropped from Mourinho's squad for a Europa League qualifying meeting with Lokomotiv Plovdiv, and has made just two starts and three substitute appearances in all competitions since.

There were rumours suggesting French champions PSG were interested in signing Alli before the transfer deadline earlier this month, but no deal materialised.

Despite finding himself out of the side, Mourinho has praised Alli for his professional attitude in training and hinted that he could still have a long-term future at the club.

The former MK Dons youngster was given a rare chance to impress when he was named in the starting XI for Thursday’s Europa League clash away at Royal Antwerp.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Mourinho once again praised Alli’s attitude and application, while saying his lack of regular action is simply down to the intense competition for places.

"Dele is working hard and I feel very hurt when I don't select him or even don't have him on the bench, but this is the consequence of the attacking players we have," Mourinho told BT Sport.

"Tonight [Dele and Steven Bergwijn] have to catch the opportunity with both hands.”

Alli was one of nine changes to the Tottenham side from Monday’s win at Burnley, with Gareth Bale also handed a start while free-scoring duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min dropped to the bench.

However, Alli was one of four players taken of at half-time as Spurs trailed the Belgian outfit 1-0 at the break.

Mourinho accepts it is a challenge trying to keep so many players happy, but admits it is a nice problem to have.

"I am happy. I have lots of good players and everyone is motivated,” he added. “Everyone wants to give everything on the pitch. 

“They show frustration when they are not playing in the right way when they are on the pitch. 

“You could say it is a risk to change so many players but I would say I accept the risk because I trust the players and the squad.”