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Two talented Manchester City fans, one each from India and Nigeria, are set to live their biggest dream after being selected as Goal’s local trainee Man City correspondents.

This opportunity will see the two trainee correspondents work with Goal, to cover the Premier League leaders from close quarters till the end of the season. The two will also be mentored by Goal’s regional editorial teams as well as dedicated Man City correspondent - Jonathan Smith.

TECNO, in partnership with Manchester City, offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to its fans in India and Nigeria, as part of its commitment towards creating a genuine impact on the lives of young people which is an area of great importance to both Man City and TECNO.

Fans from all over India and Nigeria submitted their entries for the campaign which was actively promoted across Goal Africa and Goal India’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter handles to reach out to fans of Manchester City.

We must thank every applicant for displaying their immense passion towards the club and sending in their entries for this fan-oriented programme. From over 200 entries that came in, Goal, TECNO and Manchester City went through a rigorous process of elimination before zeroing in on two applicants who impressed the most.

“As a brand aiming to inspire people to never stop pursuing their dream, TECNO is always determined to support people who are persistent, passionate and always striving for excellence”, said Stephen HA, Managing Director of TECNO, VP of Transsion, who is also the key member of the jury.

“We are delighted to initiate this programme to provide job opportunities for young people in emerging markets in partnership with Manchester City and Goal, both professional football industry players with great impact. We look forward to encouraging more people to uncover their enthusiasm and fulfill their dreams through our innovative products, technology and consistent social endeavors.”

Sai Prashanth Nataraj from India and Chukwu Bethel from Nigeria were finally selected for the programme. Both their entries impressed the jury for their passion towards and the club and insight into the sport.

Stefan Coerts, Editor-in-Chief of Goal APAC, felt that Nataraj’s entry was very impressive for his attention to detail. “Nataraj’s presentation skills were very impressive. His passion for Manchester City and the sport of football was very evident and the effort he undertook to translate that into his entry was commendable. He also had very good understanding of the game, which came through really well in his analysis. We are sure he will do a wonderful job and will thoroughly benefit from this programme,” Coerts said.

Steve Blues, Managing Editor of Goal Africa was impressed by the quality and passion of the entries from Nigeria “There were so many great candidates that it was very difficult to narrow it down to the winner. But in the end, Bethel’s entry won us over with a combination of his raw enthusiasm, impressive football knowledge and obvious passion for Manchester City. We look forward to working with Bethel as City look to finish off their season with a number of trophies,” Blues said.

The winners from India and Nigeria now get an opportunity to remain associated with their favourite club from close quarters, as well as kick-off a new chapter in their lives where they are able to convert their passion for football into a career prospect. TECNO will also provide its award-winning camera phone CAMON 16 Premier, for the winners to work with throughout the campaign.

TECNO, a premium mobile phone brand, are the official global partner of Manchester City for handsets and headphones. The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries across the globe with its innovation, technological and artistic progression as well as a diversified product portfolio featuring smartphones and smart AIoT products.

Two talented Manchester City fans, one each from India and Nigeria, are set to live their biggest dream after being selected as Goal’s local trainee Man City correspondents.

This opportunity will see the two trainee correspondents work with Goal, to cover the Premier League leaders from close quarters till the end of the season. The two will also be mentored by Goal’s regional editorial teams as well as dedicated Man City correspondent - Jonathan Smith.

TECNO, in partnership with Manchester City, offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to its fans in India and Nigeria, as part of its commitment towards creating a genuine impact on the lives of young people which is an area of great importance to both Man City and TECNO.

Fans from all over India and Nigeria submitted their entries for the campaign which was actively promoted across Goal Africa and Goal India’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter handles to reach out to fans of Manchester City.

We must thank every applicant for displaying their immense passion towards the club and sending in their entries for this fan-oriented programme. From over 200 entries that came in, Goal, TECNO and Manchester City went through a rigorous process of elimination before zeroing in on two applicants who impressed the most.

“As a brand aiming to inspire people to never stop pursuing their dream, TECNO is always determined to support people who are persistent, passionate and always striving for excellence”, said Stephen HA, Managing Director of TECNO, VP of Transsion, who is also the key member of the jury.

“We are delighted to initiate this programme to provide job opportunities for young people in emerging markets in partnership with Manchester City and Goal, both professional football industry players with great impact. We look forward to encouraging more people to uncover their enthusiasm and fulfill their dreams through our innovative products, technology and consistent social endeavors.”

Sai Prashanth Nataraj from India and Chukwu Bethel from Nigeria were finally selected for the programme. Both their entries impressed the jury for their passion towards and the club and insight into the sport.

Stefan Coerts, Editor-in-Chief of Goal APAC, felt that Nataraj’s entry was very impressive for his attention to detail. “Nataraj’s presentation skills were very impressive. His passion for Manchester City and the sport of football was very evident and the effort he undertook to translate that into his entry was commendable. He also had very good understanding of the game, which came through really well in his analysis. We are sure he will do a wonderful job and will thoroughly benefit from this programme,” Coerts said.

Steve Blues, Managing Editor of Goal Africa was impressed by the quality and passion of the entries from Nigeria “There were so many great candidates that it was very difficult to narrow it down to the winner. But in the end, Bethel’s entry won us over with a combination of his raw enthusiasm, impressive football knowledge and obvious passion for Manchester City. We look forward to working with Bethel as City look to finish off their season with a number of trophies,” Blues said.

The winners from India and Nigeria now get an opportunity to remain associated with their favourite club from close quarters, as well as kick-off a new chapter in their lives where they are able to convert their passion for football into a career prospect. TECNO will also provide its award-winning camera phone CAMON 16 Premier, for the winners to work with throughout the campaign.

TECNO, a premium mobile phone brand, are the official global partner of Manchester City for handsets and headphones. The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries across the globe with its innovation, technological and artistic progression as well as a diversified product portfolio featuring smartphones and smart AIoT products.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have been dealt another financial blow, with the Clasico rivals among those to have been informed that they will be stung with a bill of up to €5 million (£4m/$6m) as part of a European Union fight against tax avoidance.

Athletic Club and Osasuna have also been informed that they will have back taxes to pay.

The clubs in question, led by Barca, challenged an initial ruling which questioned the use of a 25 per cent tax rate, rather than the standard 30% rate for sports companies, but the final outcome has not come down in their favour.

What has been said?

The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has stated in its report: “The aid scheme at issue was, from the time of its adoption, liable to favour clubs operating as non-profit entities over clubs operating in the form of public limited sports companies, thereby conferring on them an advantage capable of falling within the scope of Article 107(1) TFEU.”

Why were Barcelona & Real Madrid paying less tax?

Leading sides in Spain had enjoyed a lower tax rate than a number of rivals for more than 20 years as they were treated as non-profit organisations rather than professional football clubs with limited liability.

Who challenged them?

The European Commission ruled in 2016 that the four teams in question had been given an unfair advantage by occupying a lower tax bracket than other sporting institutions.

Barcelona appealed against that call and got the General Court to wipe it out in 2019 on the grounds that the EU competition watchdog had not been able to prove to the required legal standard that any advantage had been enjoyed.

The commission subsequently took their case to the CJEU in a bid to prove that economic benefits had been taken in by Barca, Real and co.

The bigger picture

It has already been revealed in 2021 that Barcelona are struggling under the weight of debts totalling €1.2 billion (£1.1b/$1.5b).

Real, and many other sides around the world, have also been hit hard by the financial implications of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

There is, however, hope that supporters will soon be freed to return to stadiums and help to bolster the coffers of even the most prestigious sporting superpowers.

Further reading

Kelechi Iheanacho expressed his appreciation for Leicester City’s effort in Wednesday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley, but he feels they should have beaten the Clarets.

Brendan Rodgers’ men headed for Turf Moor on the back of home defeats to Slavia Prague and Arsenal in their last two fixtures.

They were pegged down in the fourth minute by Matej Vydra’s strike. The Czech Republic forward capitalised on Hamza Choudhury’s errant pass, danced around Daniel Amartey before smashing a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

However, Iheanacho’s brilliant volley past Nick Pope from Wilfred Ndidi’s assist restored parity for the visitors in the 34 minute. The Nigeria international had positive words to say on his side’s showing.

“It wasn't a bad game,” Iheanacho told LCFC TV. “I think it was a tough game for us and Burnley, they gave us a bit of heat, but we'll take a point.

“It was a slow start from us, but after that goal, we got the momentum, got the rhythm, got them running and got the equaliser. We are together as a group and as a team.

“We're talking about the little run from Jamie [Vardy] and the pass from Wilf [Ndidi] - that was the goal for me. So, it was a great goal.

“Playing with Jamie, I like playing with him. He's a runner, if you have a great runner in the team, we know we have to find him, and give him good front passes for him to finish up. I like partnering with Jamie. It's good.”

The former Manchester City wonderkid – who now boasts six goals in all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign is also full of praise for Schmeichel who made a series of impressive saves.

“Kasper is really good,” he continued. “He's been saving us since the start of the season.

“It was an end-to-end game. He made great saves in the first half and in the second half.

“We should have won the game. It was there for us to win. It wasn't quite on for us, so we take a point.”

A draw for Burnley takes them six points clear of the relegation zone temporarily, with Fulham set to play Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

For Leicester City who remain in third position, they will travel to Brighton & Hove Albion in their next Premier League fixture.

Mumbai City head coach Sergio Lobera insists that he has nothing to prove to his former club FC Goa ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs tie between the two teams. 

Having won the ISL League Shield with Mumbai City, something that he almost achieved with the Goan outfit before parting ways with only a few remaining, the Spaniard opined that facing Goa in the first leg of the semi-finals on Friday or on any other occasion will always remain special.

"It's a special game because we are paying semi-finals with the option to win the (ISL) trophy which will be a big achievement after finishing at the top of the table. We need to be smart and ready to play 180 minutes and tomorrow is the first step. We are working as always to put the focus on ourselves and to improve, he said.

Under pressure to deliver?

"I don't feel the pressure. I'm very happy with the effort and good job of my players. Now let's enjoy the playoffs. I felt a big challenge when I arrived here and I accepted it because it's good for us, because when you have a big challenge it's because you're working with a very good team. 

"I think I have proved a lot of things when I was working there (at Goa). We won the first title (2019 Super Cup) in the history of the club, three playoffs in a row (under his stint) and in the last season we achieved the option to play in the (AFC) Champions League this season," Lobera said.

The Spanish coach went on to stress the importance of City Football Group (CFG) coming on board at the club.

"Obviously, I could celebrate this (League Winner's Shield) on the pitch (with Mumbai City). This is a big difference and I think we deserved to lift this shield after the last game against ATK Mohun Bagan (2-0 win) because we have a done a good job (through the season). 

"As a coach, you always want to win and achieve something important and trophies, especially this year working with City Football Group and Mumbai City is amazing. City Football Group has given us all the tools to work in the best possible condition and I want to pay back this confidence by achieving more (trophies)," he assumed.

Can Le Fondre, Ogbeche and Boumous play together?

Mumbai City will be encouraged by the return of Hugo Boumous who has served his four-game ban and Lobera has explored the possibility of playing the Frenchman along with Adam le Fondre and Bartholomew Ogbeche who have started a couple of games together of late.

"You know [that] Boumous is a very important player for our style of play. He can help us a lot now in this moment. His four-game ban was painful for us but we respect the rules and now we have him back. It's important to use him now and hopefully for the final.

"Adam and Ogbeche played very well (together). Boumous can also play together (with them). I need to think what is the best option but it's an amazing problem for me as a coach," Lobera pondered.

Who are the favourites? 

Ahead of the two teams' last league meeting that ended in a 3-3 draw, Lobera's comment that the pressure was on Juan Ferrando's side to qualify was rebutted by the Goan side's coach by putting the onus on Mumbai City to win the title given the money the club has spent this season.

"It's amazing when the other coach treats us as a favourite. I want this because this means that they respect us and it's good for us. I love when people speak of us as favourite team because this means that they are thinking we are better than them. I love this pressure but finally we need to play on the pitch. It's easy to use some words about who are the favourites in the press conference but finally, we need to show this on the pitch," Lobera said.

Further reading:

Sevilla’s dominance in the Uefa Cup/Europa League over the last 15 years has pretty much established them as a top tier European club.

During that time, the Andalusian side were crowned champions five times, but while their three-peat between 2014 and 2016 looms larger due to it being recent, their first two triumphs – in 2006 and 2007 – truly made them a force to reckoned with.

Some of the players in that side who helped secure that feat include Dani Alves, Seydou Keita, Luiz Fabiano, Javier Saviola, Jesus Navas and Enzo Maresca.

They were spearheaded by French-born Mali international Freddie Kanoute and trained by Juande Ramos, who would eventually manage Real Madrid.

The Andalusian side’s 2011/12 season started on a positive note as they were contesting their 11th consecutive season in LaLiga and eighth consecutive participation in Europe.

Sevilla enjoyed a strong start only suffering just two defeats by December, but they hit a rough patch in the New Year, ultimately seeing coach Marcelino leave the club.

They duly appointed Real Madrid legend Michel to help them rediscover their form. Despite the team’s resurgence it was still not enough to ensure a record ninth straight European qualification at the end of the season.

However, the 2011/12 season is one the fans hold in high regard as it was the last season that their club legend Kanoute donned the famous red and white.

There are not many foreign players in history who have made as big a life-long impression with the club, city and its fans as the Mali international.

As such it was no surprise that his final appearance at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium was one for the history books.

Kanoute may have been born in Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon in eastern France, but his Malian roots earned the LaLiga legend the title of African Footballer of the Year in 2007, making him the first non-African-born player to scoop the coveted award.

With numerous trophies under his belt, including two Uefa Cups, two Copa del Reys, one Uefa Super Cup and one Spanish Super Cup, Kanoute had a great run in Europe and went down in history as one of the club’s most iconic players.

He also made Africa proud, representing Mali in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He proved instrumental in leading Les Aigles to the semi-finals in 2004 and finally retired from international football in 2010 with an impressive total of 23 goals in 39 appearances.

After over 280 appearances and 130 goals for Sevilla, 89 of which came in LaLiga, Frederic got his ‘last dance’ at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, and his last goal as a Sevilla player.

In a predominantly one-sided game against Rayo Vallecano, the hosts asserted their dominance after taking the lead early on through Baba Diawara following a devastating counterattack.

The visitors would strike back just six minutes later with Diego Costa making no mistake from the spot.

As the visitors were starting to get back into the game, the hosts struck again, re- taking the lead through David Cobeno to make it 2-1.

Sevilla came out all guns blazing at the beginning of the second half and were rewarded with a third goal through striker Diawara who was now on a hat-trick. The goals kept coming as the hosts added a fourth before the visitors pulled another one back.

The game would be wrapped up when the man of the moment Kanoute made it 5-2 from close range. This is the goal that wrapped up the match and his illustrious time with Sevilla.

After the match, the fans stayed and gave Kanoute a standing ovation to thank him for his service to the club.

He walked through the pitch to thank all of the fans in one of the most emotional moments in the club’s history.

Sevilla finished the season in unfamiliar ninth place and did not qualify for European competition for the first time since 2004. Rayo Vallecano finished 15th and avoided relegation by two points.

Despite a wealth of resources—on paper—Nigeria’s attack isn’t looking particularly healthy as the final Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approach.

Victor Osimhen’s troubles at Napoli have been well-documented, and he’s also suffered yet another setback as the season reaches its conclusion.

Even without his problems with fitness, the Eagles number one striker has only scored two goals in Serie A this term as he’s struggled to impress in the Italian top flight.

Elsewhere, Paul Onuachu has scored hatfuls in Belgium, but he hardly looked like a good fit after being given some gametime by Gernot Rohr last term, while Cyriel Dessers looks a shadow of his former self at Genk.

Emmanuel Dennis hasn’t kicked on after his encouraging showings last season, while Terem Moffi lacks international experience, despite being a bright prospect.

Talk of Odion Ighalo returning to the international fold is understandable, but it tells its own story in terms of Nigeria’s current striking options.

Should an ageing frontman currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, having failed to score a single league goal at Manchester United, really be considered a solution for Nigeria?

In this context, Kelechi Iheanacho’s upturn in form at Leicester City ought to be celebrated.

The hitman followed up his recent goal against Brighton & Hove Albion—the winner in a 1-0 victory—with a goal against Burnley on Wednesday evening, finding the net in style after being picked out by Wilfred Ndidi.

With Jamie Vardy struggling at the moment, Iheanacho provided rare evidence that he can be a solution for the East Midlanders, and his delicious finish ought to give him much needed confidence ahead of the run-in.

The Nigerian now has three goals in his last six games, having previously gone 14 goals in all competitions—for club and country—without finding the net.

The striker must now prove that it’s not yet another false dawn, he did—after all—have a hand in six goals across three matches in October and November, and he must maintain his recent form to begin to amend a poor goalscoring record at the King Power Stadium.

He appears to be relishing playing away from home, having scored two in his last three away starts, just one fewer than he managed in his previous 15 starts away from the Foxes’ home, although consistency will be key moving forward.

Iheanacho has provided hope that he can handle the burden during an increasingly barren spell for Vardy (one goal in 2021) during Leicester’s run-in, can he also step up for a country who needs him right now.

Patrick van Aanholt has become the latest Premier League footballer to be a victim of racist abuse on social media following Crystal Palace's draw with Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

The Dutch left-back revealed he had been sent an abusive message on Instagram after he spurned a late chance to score in the goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

It comes amid a spate of recent incidents on social media in which footballers from BAME backgrounds have been sent racist abuse.

What was said?

Van Aanholt posted a screenshot of the abuse he received, accompanied with the message: "Why we kneel."

This is in reference to Premier League players taking the knee before kick-off in every game since English top-flight football restarted last summer after the coronavirus-enforced absence.

The abuse was condemned online, with his Palace team-mate Christian Benteke writing: "Sick of this. More needs to be done. We’re with you bro."

Who else has suffered abuse?

Racism online is an increasing problem around Premier League football, with players having suffered abuse from individuals who often hide behind anonymous accounts.

Antonio Rudiger, Reece James, Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe and Willian are among the players who have been targeted in recent times.

West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers, meanwhile, was sent a racist message after his side's defeat to Manchester City that led to the arrest of a 49-year-old man in January 2021.

In another case, teenager Patrick O'Brien was found to have racially abused former Arsenal player Ian Wright through direct messages on Instagram after losing a game of FIFA.

What has been the response to racism?

There have been calls for all social media accounts to be verified or for users to have to use their real names when on the platforms, while Twitter and Instagram have been urged to ban any accounts which send abuse.

Indeed, Instagram released a statement back in February claiming that they will taker "tougher action" against those who are deemed to have broken their rules relating to direct messages.

On the pitch, players have taken the knee before games in symbolic defiance of prejudice. The act was popularised by NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who took the knee during the United States national anthem to oppose police brutality.

However, there has been some opposition to taking the knee from players past and present, who say that the symbolic gesture is meaningless without real change to back it up.

Van Aanholt's Palace team-mate, Wilfried Zaha, has said he will no longer take the knee while Les Ferdinand believes the impact of the gesture "has been diluted".

Further reading

Racheal Kundananji scored the only goal for BIIK Kazygurt as Prisca Chilufya made her first Champions League appearance in their side's 6-1 humiliation against Bayern Munich on Thursday.

Chilufya joined the Kazakhstani Women's Championship side from Zambia's Red Arrows on a two-year deal last month and was handed her debut as a substitute against the German giants.

BIIK squeezed past Zhytlobud-2 Kharkiv on an away-goal advantage and were hoping to avoid back-to-back Champions League Round of 16 exits against the German champions.

However, things did not go according to plan as Netherlands star Lineth Beerensteyn opened the scoring for the visitors after just 20 minutes of action at the Namys Stadium.

17 minutes later, Lea Schuller doubled the lead to hand the visitors a comfortable two-goal lead at the half time break in Shymkent.

Bayern resumed on a high as Linda Dallmann added the third after just two minutes before Hanna Glas made it four in the 62nd minute and Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir added the fifth six minutes later.

BIIK, however, brought on new signing Chilufya a minute later and they held on for 12 minutes before eventually grabbing what turned out to be a consolation through Kundananji in the 81st minute.

On the brink of full time, BIIK conceded a late penalty and Dallmann netted from the spot for her brace and Bayern's sixth of the match.

Kundananji was in action for the entirety of the match, while her Zambia compatriot Chilufya featured in the last 23 minutes for BIIK.

The heavy first-leg defeat puts the Kazakhstani side on the brink of Round of 16 elimination. They visit Munich on March 10.

Jurgen Klopp has hinted he will be staying at Liverpool to honour his contract through to 2024, with the German ready to embrace the challenge of delivering positive results at Anfield “for the next few years”.

Consistency has been hard to come by this season for a team that has set remarkable standards across Champions League and Premier League title-winning triumphs.

Questions have been asked of Klopp’s future amid injury-enforced issues, but the German claims to be a “better manager” for experiencing such struggles and is not about to walk away.

What has been said?

Klopp told Sky Sports of the pressure and expectation that he finds himself working under on Merseyside: “The problem is that football is all about results and if these little things that are better than before do not lead to better results, then people do not want to hear about them.

“If we are winning 15 or 20 games in a row, people listen to me and say, 'Oh my god, what kind of genius stuff is he saying.' When we are not winning games, I can say exactly the same things and people will say, 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, just make sure you win the game.'

“I know that, it is absolutely no problem. I am responsible for this, not only now but for the next few years as well. That is why we will not let this time pass without getting a little bit of a benefit out of it. We cannot prove that now because we are still in the situation. We will have to prove it a little bit later.”

The bigger picture

Liverpool, who claimed a first top-flight crown in 30 years in 2020, have seen a top-four finish become the best they can hope for domestically this season.

Fitness problems have conspired against the Reds, but Klopp is eager to avoid making excuses for a situation that he intends to right.

“Most of the problems are as a result of the injury situation,” he added. “This year we have faced completely new problems. I have never in my life - and I have been doing the job for 20 years - had to change the last line every week.

“I am a much better manager this season than I was before because usually you are not having to think about these things but now I am having to think about them constantly.

“We had a situation on Friday night. We trained all week, or the few days that we had to train, with one specific line-up and then overnight we had to change it completely. That is another big thing to do that is common in football but we have had it plenty of times.

“People might say that is an excuse. I could not care less, to be honest. We do not use it as an excuse but if you ask me the question then it is the explanation for why things changed.”

Liverpool, who sit sixth at present, will be back in action on Thursday at home to Chelsea and will move above the Blues and back into the top four if they are able to bring Thomas Tuchel’s unbeaten start as boss at Stamford Bridge to a close.

Further reading

Timo Werner believes he can still follow in the footsteps of Didier Drogba at Chelsea, with the Germany international eager to point out that many proven strikers before him have taken a season to settle in England.

The Blues have a chequered history when it comes to big-name forwards. Patience was, however, rewarded by Drogba.

The Ivorian netted just 10 league goals in his debut campaign, and Werner believes he is capable of overcoming a slow start and emulating the efforts of a four-time Premier League winner.

What has been said?

Werner told BBC Sport when asked if he looks to Drogba for inspiration: “A lot of good strikers come to the Premier League and take one year to settle down and adapt.

“I think my form is going up and getting better and better. Maybe this year is not the year of goal-scoring for Timo but at the end I will reflect on the season.

“I have learned a lot. I know exactly the teams we play against, how they play.”

How many goals has Werner scored this season?

The 24-year-old, who was snapped up from RB Leipzig for £47.5 million ($66m) during the summer of 2020, made a bright start to his spell at Stamford Bridge.

He had eight goals to his name by November, but then saw end product dry up.

At one stage, Werner managed to find the target just once in 20 games for club and country, with that solitary effort coming in an FA Cup tie with League Two side Morecambe.

A barren run in the Premier League extended to 1,000 minutes before opening his account under new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel in the 2-0 win over Newcastle.

“I never had it in my career before,” Werner added on his struggles in front of goal. “You can always learn more from the bad situations. I learned to trust in myself, to give everything on the pitch, not only think about goals and fight for the team.

“Now I hope this period is gone and I score a few more goals until the end of the season.”

What was Drogba’s record at Chelsea?

The Ivorian was signed by Jose Mourinho during the summer of 2004. He would find the going tough at times, as Werner has, and registered just 16 goals across all competitions in each of his first two seasons in west London.

Drogba only bettered that mark in two of the next six years that he spent with Blues – with a couple of memorable campaigns seeing him pass the 30-goal mark – but his status as a modern day legend was secured.

He returned for a second spell at Stamford Bridge in 2014-15, taking his overall goal tally for the club to 164 along the way, and helped Chelsea to four Premier League titles, four FA Cup triumphs, three League Cups and the 2012 Champions League crown.

Further reading

Harambee Star Joash Onyango has stated he is not concerned with being called Babu (which means grandfather) by rival fans.

The Kenya international joined the reigning Tanzania Mainland League champions at the beginning of the season from Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, and Yanga SC fans took a jibe at him stating he was too old to compete. The 28-year-old has since silenced his critics with solid performances.

"I have adapted very well; the environment as well. Initially, the heat was much but it is no longer a problem since I am now used to it," Onyango told Goal on Thursday.

"I am not so much concerned with being called Babu. Fans can decide to call you anything but it does not concern me.

"My target was to come and help the team as much as possible and it is the most important thing. Every other thing to me is just noise. Currently, I do not know what they are saying but it is up to them. 

"I have no problem at all. What matters is my performance on the pitch."

The experienced centre-back has further explained how his former teammates at K'Ogalo helped him settle fast at Wekundu wa Msimbazi, and how it influenced him.

"I thank [Francis] Kahata and [Meddie] Kagere, they welcomed me well and guided me on what to expect," Onyango added.

"They opened my eyes on what to do and what not to do, or where to go and where not to go. It also helped me get my confidence because playing with someone you already know is easier.

"I don't feel the loneliness, and it is why I appreciate meeting them in the team."

Currently, Onyango is with the team in Sudan where they will play Al Merrikh in Group A of the Caf Champions League.

The East African heavyweights are leading the group with maximum points after defeating AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic away by a solitary goal, before claiming maximum points against defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt at home by the same margin.

On the other hand, the Glowing Red have lost their opening two games against the champions and AS Vita respectively.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations has slapped Police FC chairman Asan Kasingye with a Ush2.5 million fine for his comments against the referees.

After the Police game against Vipers SC, which the Cops lost 3-2 on February 19, Kasingye claimed the Venoms have had the influence over the matchday officials and went ahead to ask Fufa to punish him.

The chair was irked when Derrick Ochan was sent off by referees George Olemu and his assistant Juma Osire, though the decision was later reversed by the Premier League secretariat.

"The Fufa ethics and the disciplinary committee has sanctioned Police FC chairman [Asan] Kasingye for violating Article 39(2) of the Fufa ethics code which provides that; persons bound by this code are forbidden from making any public statements of a defamatory nature towards Fufa and /or towards any other person bound by this code in the context of Fufa events," the federation statement read.

"Kasingye is sanctioned with; a minimum fine of Ush 2.5M [Two million five hundred thousand Uganda shillings only] under Article 39 (3) and Article 40 (2) of the Fufa ethics code. The fine must be paid within thirty [30] days from receipt of the decision.

"An automatic six-month ban from all football-related activities both nationally and internationally to be served in the event that Kasingye commits any other specified unethical conduct against match officials or club officials or in case he fails to furnish proof of payment of the fine."

The Police chair then vowed to tell the world how Vipers have always had a questionable relationship with officials who allegedly end up influencing results in their favour.

"The world must know about Vipers and their relationship with referees," Kasingye claimed. "I am now waiting for my suspension. That will be my highest achievement ever in managing a UPL team for 30 years. Fufa, hurry up, suspend me and enjoy your referees' antics!

"Let it come even now. Are they not late? This is going to liberate the clubs that fear to talk out. Vipers will do it again. In the near future, you will remember me. In fact, I am setting a legacy in Uganda’s football that will transcend my physical life on earth."

"In 2015, the Uganda Cup headed to Kyamate grounds in Ntungamo. Referee Robert Downey does the unthinkable and he was banned in July 2015. Do Ugandan referees learn? We have discussed these things at the board. It’s high time I came out. I don’t mind if I stand alone. Posterity will absolve me."

The Venoms are top of the Premier League table with 27 points, five more than Police after 11 games.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned that he cannot allow his Manchester United side to head down the same “boring” path that Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal once took, with Gary Neville accusing the Red Devils of “sleepwalking” their way through games.

Positive progress has been made at Old Trafford in 2020-21, with an ambitious outfit working their way back into contention for major honours and a lofty finish in the Premier League.

A spark has been missing in recent outings, though, as three successive 0-0 draws have been played out and two wins taken from the club’s last eight games across all competitions.

What has been said?

Neville fears United are in danger of slipping into reverse and replicating the bad habits of previous coaching regimes, with the Red Devils legend telling Sky Sports on the back of a goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace: “Manchester United have got to find something from somewhere.

“There was no urgency at the end of the game. You expected United to be throwing everything at it. You expected maybe some of the young lads to come on and do something to try and win the game, take a chance, take a risk, but there was almost a fear that maybe Crystal Palace would go and counter-attack.

“It wasn't a good night for United. You can't have too many performances like that.

“I always said in the past when Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho were the manager, you can win, you can lose, you can draw, but you can't be boring and that was boring, watching that.

“They let games drift for large periods. That's happened in the big games where there's been that lack of urgency and belief but now it's starting to come against the teams at the bottom of the league.

“They are sleepwalking in games. They are thinking that they are okay, they will get a goal, because many times this season they have played badly in first halves of matches and then gone and won the second half. But now it's not happening for them.

“You've got to have performances. You will get results sometimes when you play badly, but eventually it will catch you out. You need performances.”

Who scored Manchester United’s last goal?

Solskjaer has seen his side fail to find the target through meetings with Real Sociedad, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Bruno Fernandes was the last man to hit the back of the net, with the Portuguese playmaker converting a 75th-minute penalty in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle on February 21.

United have now endured a 285-minute barren run in the final third.

The bigger picture

United are 14 points adrift of arch-rivals Manchester City despite occupying second spot in the Premier League table.

They are only one clear of Leicester and six in front of fourth-placed West Ham, with a top four-chasing pack bunching up behind David Moyes’ men in what looks like being a thrilling race towards the finishing post.

Further reading

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Nicholas Muyoti believes poor marking and a red card to Thomas Wainaina contributed to the 2-1 loss against Gor Mahia in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League outing at Bukhungu Stadium on Wednesday.

Christopher Masinza gave the hosts an early lead but Tito Okello and Brazilian Wilson Silva ensured the champions emerged winners with their second-half goals. The tactician has, however, lauded his charges for their first-half display.

"The loss is hurting, it is not what we had prepared for, it is a bad result for us," Muyoti told Goal on Thursday.

"We had a plan which was well executed in the first half, and we ended up getting the goal. I believe we would have scored even more only that we did not take our chances.

"After the break, we lost some momentum and we were punished. If you look at the two goals we conceded, our marking was poor as well and the red card to Wainaina also affected our plan."

This season, Homeboyz have struggled to get positive results consistently and as a result, they are placed 13th on the table with 15 points. The tactician has explained why his charges have not been at their best.

"Our confidence levels have been low this season owing to the way we started the league," Muyoti continued.

"We are still working on them and despite the recent defeats to [AFC} Leopards and Gor Mahia, I am optimistic we will rise.

"We did not lose the game because we played badly, we played well just that we did not take our chances and later on lost concentration. But the quality is there and I am confident things will be better."

Is the tactician scared of losing his job after struggling to stabilize the ship?

"My job is on the pitch, and decisions are done by the management. My worry currently is to help the team return to winning ways after back-to-back losses.

"My defence is a worry as well, and I am doing the best to try and get a solution and avoid conceding easy goals as we are doing currently."

U20 Ghana forward Percious Boah believes his team will win the U20 Africa Cup of Nations title and achieve the fete set by their predecessors when they play Uganda this weekend.

The West Africans defeated Gambia by a solitary goal to seal their place in the final where they will play the Hippos who defeated Tunisia 4-1 in the last four. The youngster believes his charges have what it takes to win the trophy for the first time since 2009.

"I believe that as a team we have what it takes to fight for this trophy. We have the motivation and the will to fight for it. We know it is tough but we will give it our all," Boah told Caf Online.  

"We want to repeat the same feat achieved by those who were before us. They inspire us to do well and put Ghana’s name up. Hopefully, all of us can progress from here and move our careers up."

In the semi-final against Gambia, the teenager scooped the man of the match award. He has explained what the award means to him, as well as expressing the influence Black Stars and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew has had on his life.

"It is just a matter of time and putting in the hard work. I am happy with the man of the match award and I know this is going to push me to work more," Boah added.

"I have never met [Ayew] personally but one day I hope to meet him and shake his hand when the time is right. I watch him play for the Black Stars and his club too and he really inspires me a lot in the way he plays and what he has achieved in his career. I would like to follow in his footsteps and also play for a big team in the world."  

The Dreams FC forward has scored three goals in the ongoing campaign, and he will be aiming at toppling Uganda's Derrick Kakooza to win the Golden Boot. The latter scored a hat-trick to help the East Africans past Tunisia. 

The two nations will be playing on Saturday at Nouakchott from 23.00 hours EAT.

Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces FC head coach Kefa Kisala has called for improved officiating after they lost 1-0 to Premier League Uganda Revenue Authority FC on Tuesday.

UPDF were targeting another win after recording straight ones against Mbarara City and Sports Club Villa but the taxmen ended the run with a slim win. Previously, the Soldiers had lost three straight games in February as they saw their form slump in the top-tier.

A goal from URA's Steven Mukwala at the half-hour mark was enough to condemn them to a defeat as Sam Ssimbwa's side moved third. Kisala called for improved officiating as he claimed his side conceded the goal in an unjust manner.

"We have been asked to improve our conduct as coaches which we have done but now we also ask our officials to raise their standards,” Kisala said as was quoted by Football256.

“They are the people in charge of games and we respect them but sometimes I feel that the referees manipulate the rules to perhaps favour a certain team and that kills the motivation of the players.

“It is one thing to concede a goal if it is fair, but if there are unjust decisions taken against you, then it leaves you with a sour feeling."

Apart from poor officiating, the coach added congestion of fixtures is another thing that must be looked into as it affects the players' effectiveness.

“When you look at the way our league fixtures have been organised, it is unreal. There is nearly no time for necessary player recovery between games; it is absurd,” the tactician added.

“Players deserve adequate rest between games, but we played on Saturday and then on Tuesday while we also have another game on Friday.”

“It is challenging for us coaches to properly manage the load on our players and like you have seen players are starting to run out of gas and that kills the level and competitiveness of the games."

UPDF will be on duty once more on Friday when they will visit the Omondi Stadium in Lugogo to face in-form Kampala Capital City Authority on March 5. On March 9 and 16, Kisala's side will play Express FC and Malaba Youth Development Association respectively before another tie against Wakiso Giants on March 16.

Unlike fellow debutants MYDA and Kitara FC, UPDF started the season brightly and ended up being one of the top seven sides as the Premier League heads towards the halfway mark.

MYDA and Kitara are wallowing deep in the relegation zone and are without wins in their last five games.

Nat Phillips admits he was feeling “disappointed” with life at Liverpool before an unexpected break came his way, with the defender seeing a loan move to the Championship blocked in the summer.

Opportunities at Anfield were few and far between for the 23-year-old when another campaign began on Merseyside, with Jurgen Klopp having a number of international centre-halves at his disposal.

Phillips expected that situation to lead to his exit, but no transfer took place and frustration was mounting for the Reds academy graduate when a string of unfortunate injuries played into his hands.

What did he say?

“At the end of pre-season, it looked like I was on my way out and going elsewhere to get some games and start my career, and carry on off the back of my loan spell last season,” Phillips, who spent the 2019-20 campaign in Germany with Stuttgart, told Sky Sports.

“Initially, when it first happened, everybody was fit, and it didn't look like there would be any scenario where I would be playing for Liverpool's first team this year.

“I was a bit disappointed because I was looking forward to going and playing football and just kick-starting my career, but obviously things changed, and I don't think anybody could have seen what was coming, and it was like a typical example of how bizarre football can be sometimes.

“I think it was within a month I was making my debut.”

How many games has Phillips played this season?

Virgil van Dijk was the first Liverpool defender to be injured, with the Dutchman suffering knee ligament damage in the derby with Everton.

Joel Matip and Joe Gomez were to join him on the sidelines, while makeshift centre-backs Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have also picked up knocks.

As a result, Phillips was handed his Premier League debut for the Reds in their 2-1 win over West Ham on October 31, 2020.

He has figured in a further seven top-flight fixtures since then and taken on greater responsibility as January signing Ozan Kabak has been slotted in alongside him.

The bigger picture

It remains to be seen what role Phillips will take on once everyone is fit, but he has been picking the brains of Netherlands international Van Dijk in a bid to ensure that his impressive progress is maintained.

He added ahead of a crunch clash with Chelsea on Thursday: “Virg has been a big help when he's been in and around the dressing room on game days.

“He will give advice for certain situations that are happening in the game and how we might be able to alter things to improve those situations in our favour, but I would say everybody in general has been a massive help, from the manager and the coaching staff, to the players, who are always talking to me throughout the games.

“Especially in my first few games, they were helping me through those, but as I've played more games and gained a bit more trust, I think the players haven't had to look after me as much because they feel like I'm capable of producing. From the start, everybody wanted to help me out, and they did that.”

Further reading

In a Mamelodi Sundowns squad where competition for places is extremely high, Mothobi Mvala has done well to earn himself a good amount of game-time since joining the club from Highlands Park ahead of the current season.

The star-studded Brazilians have a lot of quality in all positions - in central midfield alone, where Mvala operates, the team's options included club captain Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali, George Maluleka, Tiyani Mabunda and Rivaldo Coetzee, who has been converted from a centre-back.

While Mvala is an effective holding midfielder due to his strong physique and competitive nature, he also has an eye for goal and his three goals in 11 matches have helped him settle in nicely.

Playing for a club of Sundowns' stature and ambition sometimes proves too much for new arrivals, but as Mvala says, he knew what he was getting into and was prepared for the challenge.

“I am grateful that I got an opportunity to play and I always do my best. Honestly, I was mentally ready from the beginning, I understood how the team plays and what is expected from me, so when I was given a chance to play I did my best," he was quoted as saying by the Downs website.

Mvala's versatility is another asset he brings to the team.

“So far I’ve enjoyed those positions that I played in the team, I adapt to what the team needs from me and am happy to help where the coach thinks I am better to play and contribute," the player explained.

He's also quick to credit the influence that Sundowns' longer serving players have on the team.

“I am learning a lot from the senior guys, their level of professionalism is at another level, as well as their leadership," said the 26-year-old.

"They are humble and they encourage everyone to do well whether they play or not, they work hard but smart, they are winners, I’ll say their experience rubs off on us, that’s what I like about our senior players.

"I think I need to improve on taking more shots outside the box and being more consistent with my performances in the games I play," he concluded.