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Timo Werner admits struggles with Chelsea's style of play

The German coach should now be considered the best in the business, according to a man who enjoyed cult status at Anfield as a player

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has moved ahead of Pep Guardiola as the "best manager in football", says Dietmar Hamann.

When Klopp was drafted in to succeed Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield hot seat back in October 2015, Liverpool were a club in disarray.

The German boss inherited a confidence-stricken squad which finished eighth in the Premier League the season prior to his arrival, but he quickly set about implementing his own unique philosophy while lifting the mood among supporters with his infectious personality.

Fast forward five years, and Klopp has transformed Liverpool into Premier League title winners and European champions, having assembled a world-class team.

The Merseyside outfit have dethroned Manchester City in emphatic style, winning the top-flight with seven games to spare after opening up a 23-point lead at the summit.

Guardiola has won four more trophies at Etihad Stadium than Klopp has won at Anfield in a shorter space of time, but he's had unlimited funds at his disposal at a club which has dominated English football in recent times.

Hamann says Klopp's "achievements are incomparable" because of the huge rebuilding job he had on his hands at Liverpool, and that he is now peerless as the master of his profession.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder told The Mirror: “Jurgen has to now be recognised as the best manager in football. Pep Guardiola is an exceptional coach, but when he went into Man City he took over a club that was already winning titles and cups.

“Of course, what he has done at City in the last three seasons has to be recognised, but Klopp took over a club that had won one League Cup in 10 years and he has built a team virtually from scratch.

"That’s why his achievements are incomparable. Klopp is the first Liverpool manager to win the Premier League and the first German to win it. When you compare the squad to the one he inherited, he has virtually changed it completely – with a net spend of about £50 million.

“When you look at the resources other managers have had, it makes his achievements even more spectacular. He’s got an incredible forward line with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

“He’s developed probably the two best full-backs in the world in [Trent] Alexander-Arnold and [Andrew] Robertson. Buying Virgil Van Dijk was a bargain even at £75m because Liverpool’s problems over the last 30 years have been caused by defensive vulnerability.

“A great team must avoid two things. The first is complacency, but even with a 25-point lead at the top there was never a sense of taking it easy. The second is a fighting spirit, and this Liverpool team never lies down.

“That is all down to Jurgen Klopp. He has built a team of brothers who refuse to let each other down.”

Hamann went on to express his belief that Klopp will look to add "two or three" new players to his ranks this summer in order to ensure that Liverpool continue to challenge for major honours across all competitions.

He added: “I’m a believer that the very best teams are the ones that bounce back from big disappointments – and that has been a mark of this Liverpool team. Like last year when they got 97 points and lost the title by a point.

“To then win the Champions League and follow that up by winning the league for the first time in 30 years is phenomenal. I remember when Jurgen first arrived at Anfield and he said his job was to turn doubters into believers.

“He hasn’t just changed the mindset of the players, he has altered the attitude on an entire city and fanbase. Klopp has given the fans a realisation that a season only matters after 38 games.

“He won’t rest on this. He will look to build from a position of strength. I can see him bringing in two or three top-class signings to keep the squad hungry.”

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After failed Kaizer Chiefs move, Gamildien eyes Orlando Pirates switch

According to the veteran match official, those responsible for the safety of supporters, players and referees have been overlooked during this time

South African football referee Victor Hlungwani is playing his part in assisting PSL security guards around Soweto with food parcels.

Hlungwani partnered with a group of fans called Phushi Passion and Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) Sports Wise to ensure that security personnel are able to put food on the table for their families even during this difficult situation. 

Football in the country has been suspended for over three months due to the coronavirus pandemic which has seen over 10 million people across the globe get infected. 

According to Hlungwani, the majority of the PSL security guards have not been receiving salary income since the suspension of the current season and they were not covered when the government released the Covid-19 relief fund. 

"Since the breakthrough of this Covid-19, the stadium securities have been enduring some tough times as they are not receiving any salaries," Hlungwane told Daily Sun

"When the government released the relief fund, they (stadium securities) were not covered. So, we tried to fundraise and put something together for them." 

"I am with a group of fans called Phushi Passion; it's a group of supporters who have contributed together with Sports Wise which is an NGO," he confirmed. 

Hlungwani said the initiative was to show PSL security guards that they care about them and understand the situation they find themselves in.  

"It really touched some of us and tried to find a way how of assisting them. That's why we came with up with the initiative and started making contributions.  

"Now, it's time to give them hope that we do care about them and understand their situation due to Covid-19. We are here to assist them," concluded the experienced match official. 

The league is set to return in the next few weeks after the government gave the PSL the go-ahead to complete the 2019/20 campaign.

However, the remainder of the matches will be played in one province identified as a biologically safe environment to curb the spread of the coronavirus.  

This means very few security personnel will be able to receive salaries for the remainder of the season and provide for their families.  

Former players Phumudzo Manenzhe and Tebogo Monyai were also present as Hlungwani played his part in helping his colleagues. 

Original author: Ernest Makhaya
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Fufa expels Vipers SC’s Kajoba from pre-Chan squad for protocol breach

The Mwanza region club secured its place in the top-tier with two matches remaining

Dominant Gwambina FC have been promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL).

A 1-0 win over Pamba FC away on Saturday was all Gwambina wanted to earn their promotion ticket for the 2020/21 top-tier's season.

The club was only founded one year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they have 44 points from 20 matches. The second-placed Geita Gold have 10 points fewer than the FDL Group B champions.

Gwambina have won 13 games, drew in five and have just lost in two other matches so far. 

Green Warriors are at the bottom of the 12-team table with 18 points accrued from 20 matches. They have struggles in the season with four wins, six draws and 10 losses marking their campaign so far.

Gwambina is likely to take Singida United's Premier League place as the Singida outfit remains at the bottom with just 15 points with seven matches remaining. Singida's season has been one to forget given they have just won three matches, drew in six and lost in 23 other actions.

Singida United trail Mbao FC with 11 points separating them.

In the FDL Group A, the promotion race is still very tight with Dodoma FC and Ihefu SC in pole position to secure a top-tier ticket. Dodoma are top of the table courtesy of goal difference and enjoy the same number of points, 45, with their close rivals.

Dodoma and Ihefu also share identical match statistics as both have won 14 matches, have drawn and lost in three matches too.

Mlale FC, at the bottom of the FDL Group A's log, will be in action against Njombe FC on Sunday as they try to keep their FDL status.

In other Saturday encounters Green Warriors were defeated 3-2 by Transit Camp FC at home while Geita FC and Gipco FC drew 0-0.

Stand United were victors at home after they dispatched Arusha FC 1-0. Rhino Rangers and Mashuja FC shared points from a 1-1 draw.

Mbeya Kwanza FC registered what became the healthiest win after beating Friends Rangers FC 6-0.

African Lyon FC fell at home to promotion-chasing Ihefu as Maji Maji lost 2-1 to Dodoma. In the Iringa FC vs Cosmpolitan FC tie, the latter emerged winners with a 1-0 scoreline.

Sahare All-Stars defetaed Mawenzi Market FC 1-0.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
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Chelsea Tipped to Offer Fikayo Tomori to West Ham on Loan to Aid Declan Rice Pursuit

Fans of FIFA will be able to enjoy a taste of the new game a few weeks before its official worldwide release in October

With the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X coming this year, the launch of FIFA 21 promises to be the biggest release of the game in years.

However, with FIFA 21 launching on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launching before the new consoles hit the market, gamers will get their first taste of the game on existing platforms.

Ahead of the release of FIFA 21, fans will be able to get a taste of the new game when the demo is released via digital download on PS4 and Xbox One.

Contents

When will the FIFA 21 demo be released? What teams will be in the FIFA 21 demo? What game modes will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

When will the FIFA 21 demo be released?

FIFA 21 will be released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on Friday, October 9, having being pushed back from its usual September release date due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone who has pre-ordered the digital version of the game wlll be able to access FIFA 21 three days early on Tuesday, October 6, while Early Access begins on Thursday, October 1.

The demo for the game usually arrives three weeks before the official launch of the game. If this trend is followed this year, then the FIFA 21 demo will be available on Friday September 18.

What teams will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

The FIFA demo usually features some of the most prominent teams used in the game's advertising, including the team of the cover star.

FIFA 20 allowed gamers to play as Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham and Chelsea in the demo, with Virgil Van Dijk, Jadon Sancho, Vincius Jr and Kylian Mbappe all used to promote the game.

Mbappe and Van Dijk have both been prominent in the launch and trailer for the game, meaning Liverpool and PSG are likely to return as teams in the FIFA 21 demo.

In addition, the demo could provide the first chance to play as teams who appear in FIFA for the first time this year including Inter Miami and Nashville SC.

What game modes will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

VOLTA Football arrived in FIFA 20 and will be one of the game's main modes again for FIFA 21.

The demo last year offered a chance to play the street football mode and this year's demo should also give fans the opportunity to see what has improved in VOLTA from last year's launch.

It is unlikely that FIFA Ultimate Team will be prominent in the demo, with fans more likely to get a chance to build their squads through an early release of the FUT Web App in advance of the game's official launch on October 9.

Original author: Ronan Murphy
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Barcelona Lower Asking Price (Again) for Philippe Coutinho

The right-back looks set for a move to Italy after impressing on loan at Dortmund, and a former Morocco star says the deal has long been mooted

Achraf Hakimi's move from Real Madrid to Inter has been in the works for more than two years, according to former Morocco international Houssine Kharja.

The right wing-back has impressed on loan at Borussia Dortmund for the last two seasons and had been expected to either remain at the Bundesliga club or return to Santiago Bernabeu to compete for a place in Zinedine Zidane's first-team.

However Inter have swooped for the Moroccan, with a €45 million (£40m/$50m) deal expected to be completed to Antonio Conte's team in the coming days.

The deal has widely been viewed as a surprise, however former Inter player Kharja says his old club have been interested in the player for a long time, and had previously sought his opinion on whether to sign the attacking full back.

Speaking to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Kharja said: "[Inter director Piero] Ausilio has been following him for a long time. Two and a half years ago, when he was still at Real Madrid and was not playing, he started asking me about him several times. Inter is a major club, and Conte's tactics will be perfect for him.

"He is very strong, in all the years of the national team I have never seen anyone like him. He is very intelligent, he will be able to adapt to Italian football. He may struggle in the defensive phase, perhaps at the beginning, but he will certainly be helped. After all, even Maicon had some difficulties, then he won the treble. Hakimi is ready and will improve. 

"Playing in a stadium like San Siro will be an extra stimulus: he's not afraid of anything, like me. He played in Madrid and Dortmund, also winning a Champions League. The Meazza can only charge him up."

Despite being nominally a defender, Hakimi was one of the deadliest attacking forces in Lucien Favre's Dortmund side this season, and could be deployed as a right midfielder in Conte's system at Inter.

Hakimi scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 45 competitive games for Dortmund in the 2019-20 season.

The German club's campaign ended on a downer on Saturday, as they suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Hoffenheim in the final game of the Bundesliga season.

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Tanguy Ndombele 'Determined to Leave' Tottenham After Jose Mourinho Fall Out

The ex-Red Devils star has suggested an alternative option for his old club in the event they fail to land a primary target from Borussia Dortmund

Dwight Yorke has backed Manchester United to make a move for Manchester City winger Leroy Sane if they can't get Jadon Sancho this summer.

Sancho has emerged as United's number one target after another stellar season at Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped to add the England international to his ranks when the transfer window reopens, however, the German outfit are reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £100 million ($123m).

Dortmund have yet to receive any formal offers for Sancho, and the club's head of the licensed player division Sebastian Kehl has expressed his belief that he is likely to remain at Westfalenstadion for at least one more year.

Kehl told Sportbuzzer: “We expect Jadon to play with BVB next season and we’re all very happy with the quality that he brings to our side and the difference that he can make."

One man who looks certain to switch up his surroundings is City attacker Sane, who only has one more year left to run on his current contract at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the Germany international will leave either at the end of the season or next summer, with Bayern Munich touted as his most likely next destination.

Yorke thinks United should hijack any potential deal for Sane if Sancho cannot be lured to Old Trafford, given the fact that Solskjaer's squad is currently lacking a natural left-footed wide man.

"United has got a real good attacking bunch of young players," the former Red Devils striker told Stadium Astro.

"Add in Sancho, I like the boy Sane. If I was to airdrop, the boy Sane at City I really do [like].

"We haven't got a left-footed sort of winger. The boy [Mason] Greenwood is coming to the fore recently but I like Sane.

"I really do think this kid is probably the quickest out of all them as well and he's really got a good attitude.

"I know he's got some injuries but if I was brave, if I was Man United manager at this point in time that's the type of person I would go for.

"He's had a couple of years in the Premier League, I've watched him very closely, he's a player that I like a lot.

"The boy Sancho is obviously up there as well but if you can't get him why not be brave and go for a player who's played across next door and cause some stir, just stir it up a little bit. That's what I would do."

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Benfica 4-3 Juventus: Old Lady knocked out of Champions League

The Belgian midfielder and goalkeeper Roman Burki criticised their team-mates after a dissapointing end to the campaign

Axel Witsel has urged Borussia Dortmund to come back stronger next season after they closed the Bundesliga campaign with a 4-0 hammering at home to Hoffenheim.

Andrej Kramaric netted four times for the visitors as they booked a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds, while Dortmund, already sure of the runner-up spot, slipped to 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.

Dortmund's humiliating end to the season did not sit well with Belgium international Witsel, as he criticised his team-mates for their poor defending.

"There is nothing to explain. They were more aggressive, had more motivation. We didn't want to end the season like that," he said to Sky Sport.

"It wasn't enough without a ball. We all have to defend together. If only a few players run and defend, it's difficult to win a game.

"We may be the better team on paper, but it is different on the field."

Looking back on the season as a whole, Witsel says there is room for improvement from his side.

"We had ups and downs in the first half of the season. The second half was better, but of course we can do it better," he added.

"Next season we will start the fight with [Bayern Munich] again."

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki was also critical of the team and believes they lack the winning mentality required to challenge Bayern to the title.

"Already after the first 45 minutes you noticed that there was a team on the pitch that wanted it - and a team that didn't feel like it," he said. 

"That shouldn't be. It's a Bundesliga game. We should all be happy that we can play here. A lot of things were wrong and then the result is what it is.

"Maybe we just sometimes have the wrong mentality. We have to work on our winning mentality, Bayern have it more than we do. 

"It is precisely these points that we are missing in the end to be at the top.

"I have not won against Bayern many times and I can only explain that by not having the right attitude or mentality."

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RB Leipzig 3-2 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Los Blancos stunned into defeat

90' SAVE! Moments after equalising, the hosts almost go ahead. Martinez comes to Arsenal's rescue on this occasion, the keeper getting low down to his right to deny Sharp.

85' Arsenal have registered just a single shot on target since Pepe's opener - and it come from that same man back in the 29th minute.

82' McBurnie holds his face in his hands after a long ball almost dropped perfectly for him in the box.

81' Saka wins a corner for Arsenal, allowing them to shave a few seconds off the clock. United deal comfortably with the delivery.

80' Arsenal showing reasonable defensive resolve as we head into the final 10 minutes. Just the one goal separates the teams.

78' In comes another United corner and again it's directed at McBurnie. Robinson gets there first, but his header balloons over the bar.

75' Arsenal have struggled to deal with McBurnie's aerial prowess all game and his header from a free-kick almost creates a shooting opportunity, but it's scrambled away.

73' United get numbers forward and await a cross until Tierney makes an excellent challenge to dispossess Kieron Freeman.

70' Around 20 minutes remaining at Bramall Lane and the players have another chance to rehydrate. The home side have threatened in this second half without managing to respond to Pepe's first-half penalty.

69' Tierney, who has shown a good engine in this game, delivers another dangerous ball into the area. It breaks for Xhaka to shoot from distance, but United get bodies in the way.

66' The Gunners need to steady and they do that, momentarily, through some possession in the opposition half. That comes to an end when Lacazette fails to read Willock's flick.

64' Arsenal have gone on to win the FA Cup in three of the six seasons they've knocked out Sheffield United: 1935-36, 2002-03 and 2004-05.

60' ALMOST THE EQUALISER! Basham should score. Robinson sends in an excellent left-sided cross which Basham meets at the far post, but the defender nods wide when he seemed destined to score. Arsenal living very dangerously.

58' OFFSIDE! Wilder's men are foiled once more. Norwood's brilliant free-kick in between Martinez and the Arsenal defence causes chaos as McGoldrick gets a touch before Egan forces the ball over the line. Both men, however, appeared to be offside and a VAR review confirms the assistant's decision.

56' Well, the Blades not all that far from an equaliser and it was almost Henderson who provided it! The keeper's long clearance forward catches the wind, bounces, and almost dips over Martinez. Thankfully for him, it drifts just over the bar.

53' David Luiz appears to be struggling a bit. He's gone down to the ground after shepherding the ball out of play.

51' United remain on the front foot as Fleck drives in a half-shot, half-cross which fizzes harmlessly across the face.

50' Martinez now ventures a long way off his line to push clear a cross from the right. Not entirely convincing but effective enough.

48' ON TARGET! The long throw comes in from the left and McBurnie wins it, but Martinez is positioned well and holds on to the header. Arsenal's defence being asked some questions.

46' Better from the Blades almost immediately as Berge gets a cross into the box. They could do with some thrust from midfield.

46' Back underway at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United trail Arsenal 1-0 with 45 minutes to play.

Arsenal dominated possession during that first half and will look for more of the same to keep their defence out of the spotlight. If the Blades can get more from their front two - perhaps Mousset or Sharp can offer something from the bench - then there is still very much a game to be had.

Arsenal good value for their lead despite receiving something of a let-off in the early stages. It was Lundstram, later substituted with a shoulder injury, who had the ball in the net first, but he was offside when he nodded in McBurnie's header back across goal. Basham's clumsy foul send Pepe to the spot around 15 minutes later and the visitors are now one good half away from an FA Cup semi-final spot.

45' + 7' HALF-TIME: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-1 ARSENAL

45' + 4' Another head clash, this time between Tierney and Baldock in an aerial duel. Tierney comes off worse but he's fine to play on after being checked.

45' + 2' David Luiz, relatively untroubled at the back to date, gets forward for a set-piece and makes first contact, but he's unable to steer it goalward with Berge holding a handful of his shirt.

45' Action at both ends! Arsenal keeper Martinez first holds a curling Norwood effort. The Gunners then get at their opposition with Tierney able to overlap on the left and spot Pepe's run, which he rewards with a fine cut-back, but the Ivory Coast international finishes the wrong side of the upright.

43' Arsenal threaten again! Maitland-Niles gets around the United defence on the right and draws an involvement out of Henderson from an attempted cross. The ball eventually comes out to Tierney, who shoots past the left post.

41' Good omen for Arsenal? Pepe's opener was their first goal from the penalty spot in the FA Cup since Arteta netted against Everton in 2013-14, also at the quarter-final stage. The Gunners went on to win the competition that season.

39' Both players now back to their feet and will seemingly continue.

37' Concern now for McBurnie and Willock after an ugly, accidental clash of heads off the ball. No malicious intent. Both players down receiving treatment.

34' Quick, crisp Arsenal passing leads to a crossing opportunity for Tierney. They're moving the ball well through midfield. Meantime, Lundstram is down receiving some treatment on his left shoulder after tangling with Willock.

32' Arsenal win another corner, which McBurnie heads clear. Arteta's men are asserting their dominance now.

29' SAVE!! And it's a very, very sharp one from Henderson, who gets down to his left to push Pepe's stinging shot around the post. Good play all round.

29' United win a free-kick in a central area and Fleck proceeds to lash it low into the wall.

27' That goal is the final action before a brief break for the players. The penalty came after Tierney passed into Lacazette's feet, inviting the challenge from Basham.

23' PENALTY!! Basham clips Lacazette's ankle just inside the box and Arsenal have a spot-kick. Huge opportunity here for the visitors.

22' Pepe reaches the byline, swings in a right-footed cross and forces Robinson to clear for a corner.

20' Willock misjudges the flight of the ball and a promising Arsenal move comes to nothing.

19' United last played in an FA Cup quarter-final in 2013-14 as a League One side, winning 2-0 against Charlton Athletic. They ultimately lost out against Hull City in the final four.

17' One point separates these teams in the Premier League and a close contest seems set to unfold over the next 75 minutes or so.

15' Arsenal breathing a sigh of relief after those two close calls. They were outdone from the corner that Lundstram nodded home and are perhaps fortunate not to be behind.

13' CHANCE! United go close again. Robinson's long throw is flicked on at the near post and only marginally eludes McGoldrick. All the striker needed was a touch.

10' DISALLOWED! The Blades look to take the lead as McBurnie gets his head to a corner, sending it back across goal for Lundstram to nod home. But replays show Lundstram was offside and the goal is chalked off following a VAR review. Big let-off for Arsenal!

7' SHOT! The first attempt of the match comes in from the centre-back Robinson, whose deflected effort goes out for a corner. Good, adventurous move from the hosts.

7' The Gunners build well out of defence and move the ball into midfield before Saka wins a foul.

5' It appears as though Tierney will fill the wing-back role on Arsenal's left flank today, with Kolasinac behind him in the three-man defence.

3' An early free-kick in a decent area for the Blades but Norwood's delivery goes beyond everyone and out for a goal-kick.

2' It will be interesting to see how quickly Arsenal settle after making five changes. The club has such strong FA Cup pedigree but this team has much to prove.

1' KICK-OFF! We're underway at Bramall Lane. It's Sheffield United and Arsenal battling for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The teams are out on the pitch and it's almost time to get started.

Arsenal have won just one of their past eight away matches against Sheffield United in all competitions, drawing four and losing the other three. The sole victory was a 3-0 success in the EFL Cup back in October 2007.

Eight changes in all between the two teams. There are five for Arsenal, who bring David Luiz straight back in from suspension and add Maitland-Niles, Willock, Kolasinac and Lacazette to their starting XI. Mesut Ozil misses the matchday squad due to a "slight back injury," according to the club. Egan and McBurnie return for the Blades, as does goalkeeper Henderson after a clause in his loan deal forced him to miss the midweek defeat to parent club Manchester United.

ARSENAL SUBS: Matt Macey, Hector Bellerin, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Rob Holding, Matt Smith, Dani Ceballos, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

ARSENAL XI (3-4-3): Emiliano Martinez; Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, Sead Kolasinac; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Granit Xhaka, Joe Willock, Kieran Tierney; Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka.

SHEFFIELD UNITED SUBS: Simon Moore, Phil Jagielka, Kieron Freeman, Luke Freeman, Ben Osborn, Sander Berge, Richairo Zivkovic, Lys Mousset, Billy Sharp.

SHEFFIELD UNITED XI (3-5-2): Dean Henderson; Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson; George Baldock, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Enda Stevens; David McGoldrick, Oli McBurnie.

Neither side has looked particularly assured since returning to action earlier this month. The Blades have been especially disappointing, recording successive 3-0 losses following their goalless draw against Aston Villa. It's otherwise been an exceptional campaign for Chris Wilder's men and an FA Cup semi-final appearance at Wembley would be a fitting reward for the progress made prior to the season going on hold.

Mikel Arteta finally registered his first Premier League away win as Arsenal head coach with a 2-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday. Now comes a trickier challenge. The Gunners are battling injury problems, remain on the road and must overcome an opponent with nothing to lose if a record-extending 14th FA Cup crown is to remain within reach.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of this FA Cup quarter-final clash between Sheffield United and Arsenal!

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Sporting CP coach rules out Cristiano Ronaldo deal over wages

Hans-Joachim Watzke backed the BVB boss despite a heavy home defeat to Hoffenheim on the final day of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season

Borussia Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre's job is safe despite suffering a humiliating 4-0 home loss against Hoffenheim on the final day of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season, according to Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club's managing director.

Dortmund were stunned at Signal Iduna Park in the last game of the interrupted 2019-20 league campaign, Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramaric scoring four times in the first 50 minutes of the match - including twice within the first five minutes of the second half - to condemn Favre's team to a shocking loss.

This placed extra pressure on Favre, who saw his Dortmund side bested once again in the Bundesliga title race by Bayern Munich, who have now won the last eight German top division titles in a row.

Watzke, however, came to the defence of Favre on national television, saying the players had to take the blame for the poor performance and result, while claiming the manager was being treated unfairly by journalists and pundits.

Speaking on Sport1, Watzke said: "Every coach in the world would have lost yesterday's game, because it was the team's fault. Before, against Leipzig, we had one of our best matches in the last few years.

"Lucien Favre took us to back-to-back second place finishes and he is still under contract. He deserves a chance to kill the rest of the prejudices that exist towards him in the media."

Watke also hit out at Wolfsburg midfielder Maximilian Arnold, who criticised Dortmund's performance after their own final day 4-0 home loss, against Bayern.

That defeat, combined with Hoffenheim's surprise win at Dortmund, pushed Wolfsburg down into seventh in the final Bundesliga standings, meaning they have to go through the qualifying rounds in the 2020-21 Europa League rather than automatically reaching the group stage.

Arnold said: "It's a bit of a shame that we finished seventh. I didn't think Dortmund would play like that. 0-4, what more can you say?"

Watzke's response was short and sharp: "If I had lost 0-4 myself, I would shut up."

Having looked well placed to push Bayern close for the title this season, Dortmund ultimately underwhelmed upon the Bundesliga's resumption following the lengthy hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

They finished with 69 points from 34 games - 13 behind the champions.

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Premier League Away Fans Unlikely to Be Allowed Into Stadiums Next Season

The talented German playmaker has been tipped to join one of Europe's top clubs when the transfer window reopens

Kai Havertz is "not thinking too much" about a summer transfer despite being strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, according to Bayer Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz.

Havertz is currently enjoying his best individual season yet at BayArena, having scored 16 goals while also laying on nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old is reportedly being monitored by a long list of potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United.

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with the Germany international, after snapping up his fellow countryman Timo Werner from RB Leipzig in a £47.5 million ($59m) deal earlier this month.

Havertz still has two years left to run on his current contract with Leverkusen, and the club's sporting director Rudi Voller has expressed his hope that a prized asset will see out that agreement.

Bosz is also relaxed about the midfielder's future, as he told reporters after watching his side win their final Bundesliga fixture of the 2019-20 campaign against Mainz on Saturday.

The Leverkusen boss said of the rumours surrounding Havertz: "I don't feel that he is thinking too much about transferring. Neither are we. I certainly don't have the impression that this will be his last game for the club.

"He is still under contract with us and I have to assume that he will be with us next season too. That will include the German Cup final next month and the next Europa League game against Rangers in August.

"Of course, that's all dependent on nothing happening before then."

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard addressed the club's reported interest in Havertz last week, and although the 42-year-old refused to be drawn on speculation, he did express his admiration towards the Leverkusen talisman.

"He's obviously a top player, but to carry on from my answer before I'm certainly not going to comment on other players at other teams," Lampard told a press conference.

Havertz will likely retain a place in Bosz's starting line up when Leverkusen face off against Bayern Munich in the DFB Cup final on July 4.

Leverkusen have the Europa League knockout stages to look forward to the following month, and they will need to win the competition in order to qualify for the Champions League after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga.

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Sokratis opens up on 'difficult' Arsenal spell & defends 'one of the best' Xhaka after Burnley error

The league managers reveal they have reached crucial stages in implementing in the new initiative ahead of the new season

The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has maintained their effort to implement the club licensing rule will continue ahead of the new season.

TPLB CEO Almas Kasongo has revealed they have already accomplished preliminary steps to implement the rule and remained confident the new initiative will successfully help to uplift the standards of the game in the country.

“The only reliable thing which will accelerate the pace of football development in the country is by ensuring that our clubs are fully aware of the importance of respecting club licensing,” Kasongo is quoted by Daily News.

“To facilitate this, we began a countrywide tour with the aim to talk with club owners and stakeholders on the importance of embracing club licensing but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the mission was cut short.”

Kasongo further said he was confident the system will be easily implemented in Tanzania because of the available infrastructure and called on concerned stakeholders to support it.

He, however, admitted that for the club licensing to work effectively, all the clubs in the Tanzanian leagues should be able to have adequate sponsorship.

“Seeking sponsors is one of my duties as the boss of the TPLB especially after considering that both the First Division League (FDL) and Second Division League (SDL) hardly have sponsors that make them operate in a difficult environment,” Kasongo continued.

"Once the club licensing has been successfully implemented, all these problems of lacking sponsors in the leagues we govern will be the issue of the past.

“We need to come up with research to verify on what has happened for the number of people who watch games live had dropped since clubs have been highly affected due to lack of gate collections.”

In a previous interview, Kasongo mentioned the issue of league sponsors and how adding more would be beneficial to their objectives.

"Currently, we have Vodacom, KCB, and Azam TV as the main sponsors of the league. However, running a league is very expensive as such, we demand other partners to come forward and provide support as far as sponsoring is concerned.

“All the three sponsors do the recommendable job but others must step up as well to help in the smooth running of the entire league while insisting that the doors are wide open for them.”

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  112 Hits

Who wins the Premier League: Man City or Liverpool? We predict the run-in

The central midfielder is currently on loan at Galatasaray and his former club could be on the verge of a hefty cash injection

Mario Lemina admits it would be tempting to return to Marseille - a club that remains close to his heart - no matter whether a potential takeover is completed.

Mourad Boudjellal, the former owner of Toulon rugby club, revealed on Friday he has been asked to head a project involving Middle East investment to purchase Marseille, currently owned by American businessman Frank McCourt.

No matter what happens off the field, Lemina would be interested in a move to the Ligue 1 side he previously joined in 2013, playing 42 games across three seasons before heading to Juventus.

The midfielder is currently at Galatasaray on loan from Southampton, with his contract at the Premier League club due to run until 2022.

"Yes, of course a possible return to Marseille interests me, even without the recovery project. Marseille remains a club in my heart," Lemina said in an interview with Europe 1.

"If there is such a beautiful project, it is even more tempting."

The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to leave St. Mary's, having previously stated: "The best option for me would be to stay [in the Premier League], but I do not close the door to any club, no country. I aspire to play for the biggest clubs.

"I had chosen to leave Juventus for Southampton to have more playing time - I got it. I have made a good impression in England."

A comeback to the Stade Velodrome would see Lemina link up with Dimitri Payet, who has signed a new deal that runs until the end of the 2023-24 season.

The former West Ham playmaker still had two years remaining on his previous contract but has accepted a pay cut, helping out Marseille as they deal with the financial impact of a curtailed campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I've often said that I love this club and that my family feels good here," Payet said. "The idea came into my head when the president said that the players should make an effort. And who better than me to lead by example?

"Saying you love the club is one thing, but showing it is better. I really want to be part of OM and help it grow."

Under Andre Villas-Boas, Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 and are set to play in the Champions League again in 2020-21.

Original author: Rob Lancaster
  116 Hits

Mumbai Football Association to start women's leagues in 2 divisions this season

A Gunners legend has urged the Frenchman to concentrate on his football instead of allowing external distractions to affect his performances

Matteo Guendouzi has to learn to "mind his temper", according to Gilberto Silva, who says the Arsenal star is guilty of getting nervous and losing his focus on the pitch.

Guendouzi has emerged as one of the most talented young players in the Premier League since joining the Gunners from Lorient in the summer of 2018.

The 21-year-old has already racked up 82 appearances in all competitions for the north London outfit, and has enjoyed a key role in the team since Mikel Arteta's arrival in December.

However, the France Under-21 international hit headlines for all the wrong reasons last weekend, as he was pictured grabbing Brighton's Neal Maupay by the throat after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium.

Guendouzi escaped punishment from the Football Association for his actions, but found himself axed from Arteta's latest squad as the Gunners earned a 2-0 victory at Southampton on Thursday.

Questions are now being asked of the midfielder's future at the Emirates, but Gilberto remains an avid fan of the ex-Lorient starlet.

The Arsenal legend says Guendouzi will have to work on the mental side of his game to fulfil his potential, while avoiding controversial situations instead of actively seeking them out. 

“I like him. He seems a very interesting player. He has ability, he has pace to go forward,” Gilberto said at the Collision From Home conference.

“But sometimes I just feel a little bit confused about which position he plays. Does he want to be like a No.6, to protect the back four, or a No.8 to go box to box. 

“If he wants to be a No.6 he has to play simple and he has to mind his temper. Sometimes I see him a little bit nervous, sometimes that’s unnecessary.

“He needs to just play his game – he has quality. Don’t pay attention to other things. When I see him play he suddenly starts to get nervous in some situations and he loses his focus.”

Prior to Arsenal's defeat at Brighton, they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on the first day of the Premier League restart, and a top-four finish now looks beyond Arteta's side.

Silva, who was a part of the famous 2003-04 Invincibles squad, has called on the leaders within the current group to stand up and be counted so that the Gunners can start moving forward again under an ambitious young manager.

He added: “In our time, we had many leaders in the team, on the pitch and off the pitch. Everyone spoke through their body language out on the field and, honestly, in the last few years this is something I have really missed seeing at Arsenal.

“It’s hard to say it’s about leadership because from what I understand they do have some guys who are leaders. But it is hard to see exactly how this leadership works out.

“It’s very hard to see the situation Arsenal are in and you can say that about the last few years. But I hope they can find a way to get back to the glory days.

“It’s going to be very hard work for everyone at the club – the board, the staff and the players – and they all must work together if they are to change the situation.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo thanks Liverpool fans for 'compassion' in tribute to baby son

The Team of Choice boss has indicated that the club wouldn't stand in the way of any of the top players if there are willing buyers with better offers

Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia has hinted that they could cash in on players who are wanted by other PSL teams in order to balance their financial books ahead of next season. 

Siyanda Xulu, Richard Ofori and Rushine de Reuck are the three of the club's top players linked with a move away from the Team of Choice. 

Kadodia said the club would consider selling its players provided there are good offers that would improve their futures. 

"I think the important thing is that there must be a willing buyer and a willing seller," said Kadodia in an online press conference with the South African media. 

"We would love to keep players happy in the team and look at their future but if any offers would improve their future, then we can certainly look into it."

However, the situation with Xulu is different as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season while both Ofori and De Reuck are still contracted to the club. 

Ofori has been linked with a possible move to either Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns in recent months. 

But with Ricardo Goss on his way to the Tshwane giants from Bidvest Wits, Pirates may be the only team in the race for the signature of the Ghana international. 

De Reuck, who has confessed that he is a Kaizer Chiefs fan, is on the radar of the Sea Robbers although he revealed in his recent interviews that he would like to play abroad.   

Meanwhile, the Maritzburg United boss said the management is not going to rush into making new signings until the current season ended.  

This after they decided to part ways with Jeremy Brockie who was on a season-long loan deal from Mamelodi Sundowns.   

"We can’t be desperate to go out into the market right at this moment," added Kadodia. 

Furthermore, Kadodia and his team still have to make a decision on the future of Tebogo Tlolane, who is on loan from Pirates. 

The 25-year-old joined the Team of Choice in January and has featured eight times for Eric Tinkler's men since his arrival. 

Tlolane has scored once and recorded two assists for the Pietermaritzburg-based side thus far.  

Original author: Ernest Makhaya
  111 Hits

Aubameyang to miss Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City

The official has been appointed the club's CEO, replacing Francis Kidega who resigned

New Police FC CEO Fahad Lumu has said there are loopholes that have made the club struggle in the Uganda Premier League (UPL).

Lumu served as Police marketing manager for a few months before he was given the task to lead the club as the new CEO.

Subsequently, he has outlined what the club must do to improve, especially in the manner of letting key players leave at the end of every season.

“I want to first admit that there have been some loopholes that have made Police look like an amateur club but I am looking forward to changing that narrative by improving some policies most importantly the transfer policy,” Lumu told Football256.

“As we are looking forward to recruiting more players, we would also want to change the way our good players leave the club, by maintaining senior players so that we also start challenging for silverware because I believe the club has the potential.

“Therefore we are planning with the chairman, the coach and other stakeholders to improve the club’s financial position because it has been the most challenging part and with that improved we want it to be hard for our good players to leave and I can assure you we are going to maintain 90% of the current squad.”

Lumu further accepted the challenge presented by being a top member of the Police managerial hierarchy but again he says he is looking forward to the opportunity.

“Despite the fact that I’ve been administering football at the regional level that’s Kampala regional league, Police are going to be my biggest stage in football administration and therefore surprising because it’s a top club giving the opportunity to explore the heights and I am so glad,” added the former Lufula FC official.

He also had kind words for his predecessor Francis Kidega.

“I thank Kidega for the services rendered towards Police and I would also like to confess that he has been a good administrator, engaging and, with a good working relationship, those are some of the things I’ve seen about him during his tenure,” he noted.

“He’s been efficient in a way that even when stuff was difficult, the club has remained in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for all the three seasons during his time in office that’s a big achievement.”

Lumu replaced Kidega, who has been the Police CEO since 2017 but resigned when the 2019/20 season was cancelled.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  108 Hits

Pulisic nets as Chelsea go six clear at top

The government has now moved to lift the ban imposed on fans attending the league matches involving the champions

The Mainland Premier League match between Tanzania Prisons and Simba SC will have fans after the government moved to rescind the decision to ban them from attending.

On Friday, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports banned Simba and Yanga fans from attending their remaining away matches in order to ensure rules governing fans' attendance meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are adhered to.

Given the two clubs’ huge support across the country, the government was concerned the fans would fill the small regional stadiums and fail to social distance, which could spark another Covid-19 outbreak.

“For it has been established that majority of pitches outside Dar es Salaam are small, and the fact the host teams have struggled to contain the flow of fans into those stadiums as stipulated by health authorities, the Ministry of Health orders that any match involving Yanga SC and Simba SC outside Dar es Salaam, the fans will not be allowed to come and watch them,” a statement from the ministry and seen by Goal read.

“Fans will only be allowed when the government is satisfied through the recommendation of the regional law and order authorities that the host and the visiting teams have met and can enforce requisite guidelines.”

However, the government has now rescinded the decision after the authorities accepted an appeal written by the Mbeya Regional Administrative Secretary and have committed to implement all safety measures regarding the fight against Covid-19.

A statement from the Ministry and obtained by Goal confirmed: “The Ministry has ordered the National Sports Council to allow the match between Tanzania Prisons and Simba to be played with fans after the Regional Defense and Security Committee confirmed by writings they would govern the entire game by following all process of health regulations.

“This will include a few fans in the stadium and making sure they strictly observe sitting by one-meter distance during the game.”

However, the Ministry further warned they would not hesitate to take further action if the rules are not adhered to during the fixture.

Simba information officer Haji Manara has welcomed the decision by the government by stating: “We warmly thank the government for allowing our fans to attend the most important match of the current campaign and will make sure all the protocols are adhered to as required by set laws.”

Simba will be keen to seal a third straight title as a draw against Tanzania Prisons will be enough after Azam FC dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Biashara United on Saturday.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
  117 Hits

Lookman ends three-year Premier League drought in Fulham draw against Sheffield United

A former Red Devil is confident his old club can return to the elite stage if one key area is strengthened this summer

Manchester United only need "one more signing" to challenge for the title again, according to Phil Neville.

United have been starved of success at the very highest level since the departure of legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

The Red Devils haven't come close to winning the Premier League or European Cup in the last seven years, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all moving above them in English football's pecking order.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has invested smartly in the transfer market over the past year in a bid to revive past glories, and results have improved significantly in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign.

Daniel James, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka were all brought in last summer, before United forked out €55 million (£50m/$62m) to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting in January.

Odion Igahlo also arrived at Old Trafford on loan in the winter market, and Solskjaer has watched his new squad gel over the course of a 14 match unbeaten run which stretches back to February.

The Red Devils are now pushing hard for a return to the Champions League, with FA Cup and Europa League honours still up for grabs, but they still find themselves a long way behind Liverpool and City in the top-flight standings.

Neville thinks that gap can be closed significantly if Solskjaer adds one more key player to his ranks, as long as Paul Pogba ignores links to Real Madrid and remains at Old Trafford beyond the summer.

The ex-United midfielder told Premier League Daily how close Solskjaer is to completing a rebuild in Manchester: "I think one more signing.

"You think about Liverpool signing [Virgil] Van Dijk and Alisson in goal.

"One or two more signings or [Paul] Pogba and one more signing playing to their absolute best. I think United can get closer."

Pressed on which area United need to reinforce when the transfer window reopens, Neville responded: "Centre-back, you look at the impact Van Dijk had.

"Maguire has had a really strong impact but another real strong centre-back.

"They’ve still got to be defensively sound. One more signing and United can challenge."

The former England international also admitted that another striker could walk through the doors at the Theatre of Dreams later this year, while insisting that Marcus Rashford won't be permanently stationed on the left-wing.

Neville added on Solskjaer's potential attacking plans: "He'll want Rashford to develop into a centre-forward, 100 per cent.

"But I think Rashford, Martial and Greenwood like to play in and around a centre forward.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if they still went into the transfer market and bought a centre forward.

"But with Pogba and Fernandes and their type of creativity, Martial and Rashford and Greenwood will get better service.

"It means that when they play a little loose, they've got someone in Fernandes who will play that killer pass."

  233 Hits

Chelsea sign Jamaica Gold Cup teen Richards

The utility man has urged the Reds to "go again" next season after securing a first league crown in 30 years

Liverpool can't go into "autopilot" after winning the Premier League, says James Milner, who expects Manchester City to "come back firing".

The Reds were confirmed as the new champions of England on Thursday after City succumbed to a 2-1 loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The result left Pep Guardiola's men 23 points adrift of the leaders, who bounced back from a narrow defeat in last season's title race to emerge as the new dominant force in the top-flight.

City will give Liverpool's players a guard of honour when the two teams meet at Etihad Stadium on Thursday, and Jurgen Klopp could see his side set a new points record if they pick up at least 15 points from their remaining seven fixtures.

Milner, who won his first two Premier League crowns while on City's books, is expecting a strong response from the Manchester outfit next season and has called on the entire Reds squad to be ready to step up to the challenge.

The Liverpool midfielder told The Times: “It’s about getting that balance right between enjoying it and getting ready to go again.

“You see how difficult it is for any team to defend the title. City managed it last season, when they got 98 points, but they tried twice before and failed.

“Those two times I was there we were never at the races – and that was everybody. That's something I've learned from. This team has proved we can react well and go again after a disappointment.

“We came back from losing the Champions League final and we've come back from finishing second with 97 points, but it’s a new challenge to go again when you’ve been successful.

“Can we deal with that? Can we keep showing that hunger and keep playing in the same way?

“Being as good next year as we have been this year won't be enough because City will raise their game and so will Manchester United and other clubs.

“All these teams are pushing for the top and when you're right at the very top everyone wants to take it away from you.

“We are now there to be shot at – and we have to be big enough to deal with that. We have to keep pushing.

“I don't think this team would ever go into autopilot. I don’t think we have those sort of characters or attitude but that's the challenge now.

“It doesn’t mean we’re automatically going to win it again, we know how good Man City and other teams are.

“We know this will hurt Man City so they’ll come back firing – but it’s down to us to try and go again.”

Milner went on to insist that Liverpool are fully focused on finishing the 2019-20 campaign strongly with a view to setting a new points mark, adding: “It's definite motivation. Not so much the record, I think it is just the responsibility of pulling on a Liverpool shirt and going out with that responsibility to win a game.

“That is what is expected of us and you are always pushing to be the best you can. And how many chances do you get to reach that amount of points, it is incredible.

“You wouldn’t want to look back and think 'Oh, we won the title but the last seven games we were poor, we didn’t get at it'.

“And obviously with not knowing how long we will get off once we complete the season, these next games are sort of preparation for going into next season as well.

“It's so important that we keep getting up to speed and back up to that level, so we will be pushing as hard as we can to finish the season strongly.

“That's why it's so important to finish with as many points as we can but also take that stepping stone for next season.”

  200 Hits

Atlanta United 2-1 Seattle Sounders player ratings: Gutman golazo seals vital home win

Yanga SC forward David Molinga has confirmed he will not be part of the team for the 2020/21 season.

The Congolese striker has been under immense pressure from the fans who feel he is struggling to lead Wananchi's attacking front.

The striker believes he answered his doubters with a brace as Yanga came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Namungo a fortnight ago.

"I am leaving after the completion of the current campaign, [Yanga] can sign better strikers than me," Molinga said as quoted by Mwanaspoti.

"The fans should also stop shouting to players and giving abusive remarks as they did against me.

"The goals I scored against Namungo were enough to silence those fans who have been mocking me. I was amazed to see them asking for forgiveness from me.

"However, I want to state that I have no problem with them and I have unconditionally forgiven them. But the words they uttered hurt me, they wronged me."

The forward went on to state he has not been given enough time to prove his worth.

"I needed to play consistently, and by doing so I would score 15 or more goals," Molinga continued.

"Others have been given more playing time but they have not matched me in terms of goals. Now imagine, if I was given let us say five matches in a row, how many goals would I have?"

Molinga has also revealed his feelings after scoring twice against fourth-placed Namungo to earn his team a point.

"I was overexcited and my emotions got the better of me which is why I did not celebrate with my colleagues. It was also a message to the fans when I pointed at the back of my jersey, I wanted them to know Molinga does not fluke," he added.

"My actions were targeting those fans who were not satisfied with my services. ironically, I found them waiting for me outside our changing room with congratulatory messages, but I felt they were not honest."

Earlier reports suggested the Jangwani-based side are contemplating extending Molinga's stay beyond this season.

Original author: Seth Willis
  233 Hits

KCB FC are now KPL competitors and not just participants - Otieno

The experienced coach is impressed with the steps the Bankers have made in the top tier over the last 12 months

KCB head coach Zedekiah Otieno believes his charges are now Kenyan Premier League (KPL) competitors and not mere participants.

The Bankers struggled in the 2018/19 season which contributed to the exit of coach Frank Ouna from the club.

Thereafter Otieno was appointed to head the club and went on to help them perform better in the top tier, and they were fifth on the table before it was suspended owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"I am impressed with our performance in the cancelled season," Otieno told Goal on Sunday.

"When I took over at the club, we were participants, but we have managed to change it and are now competitors in the KPL.

"There were places where we could not get points, but before the league was stopped, we had managed to do so.

"Remember, we were among the teams that beat Kakamega Homeboyz as well, it shows remarkable improvement."

The 51-year-old has also opined on the ongoing tussle which was brought about by the league annulment by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the subsequent crowning of Gor Mahia.

"Nobody saw Covid-19 happening and Gor Mahia were rewarded because they were leading, the table," Otieno added.

"Next time, teams should learn to start the season and give their best consistently. We cannot know what the future holds, it is a lesson for us as well. Some teams are complaining about the same but it should not be the case, our eyes should be set for next season."

The former defender has also hinted at plans he has for the club in the 2020/21 season.

"Strengthening the team is normal across the world and KCB are not an exception. We will strengthen the team and ensure we have a better competitive edge," the former defender continued.

"We have set our targets and have identified certain players who we will be trying to bring on board."

The Bankers have been linked with moves for Gor Mahia duo Charles Momanyi and Boniface Omondi, as well as Bandari FC forward Darius Msagha.

Momanyi's contract with K'Ogalo will expire in the next two months or so and he has already expressed his desire to leave if the financial problems at the club are not addressed. 

 

Original author: Seth Willis
  540 Hits

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