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Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has been cagey over the future of captain Sergio Ramos.

The defender, who has become an icon at the Bernabeu over his 16-year stay, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Madrid are struggling to agree terms with the 34-year-old, and several of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential move for him on a free transfer come the summer.

What Zidane said

“You always ask me the same thing – he's an impressive man. I want him to get fit, but apart from that, nothing else. Tomorrow we have a game,” Zidane told a press conference on Sunday ahead of a Primera Division clash against Real Sociedad the following day.

What is Ramos' injury situation?

Ramos has not featured for the Spanish giants since the 0-0 draw against Osasuna on January 9.

He had surgery on a knee injury at the start of this month and could be out of action until late-March or early-April.

Who is interested in Ramos?

The two clubs most closely associated with a summer move for Ramos are Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

There have been reports that Ramos has spoken to former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham over a possible move to Old Trafford, while PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino has not denied his interest in the Spain international.

“We will see in the coming months. Here, Ramos would find a great club with the obsession to always win. PSG are one of the biggest clubs in the world,” the Argentine said in January.

Why might Ramos leave Madrid?

While the centre-back has not publicly declared any discontent, it has been reported that the club’s policy is only to offer veteran players one-year deals whereas he wants an extension that will run for another two years.

Some sources suggest this issue has been resolved, but even so, Madrid need to make budget cuts over the summer, which could complicate agreeing terms with the defender.

Further reading

Mumbai City bagged their first-ever trophy as they got the better of ATK Mohun Bagan in the final match of the Indian Super League (ISL) league stage on Sunday to win the League Winners Shield.

With the win, the Islanders not only topped the league stage but also booked their place in the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2022 group stage. By doing so, they will become the second Indian club after FC Goa to play in the ACL. 

Spanish coach Sergio Lobera was elated after the triumph over the Mariners as he suggested that the Islanders deserved the champions' title.

What did Lobera say?

"I am very happy because Mumbai City and City Football Group (CFG) gave us all everything and now is the moment to enjoy and analyse the things we achieved. I think my players deserved to win this trophy and finally, hopefully, we can achieve another one," said the Mumbai City boss.

The Spanish coach also thanked the principal owner of the club, the City Football Group (CFG) for backing the team and also stated that it was a matter of pride for him to be associated with the group.

"We have a big challenge. When I came here, I knew this is a big project. We have done everything to achieve our target and finally, we are champions. It is amazing for us and the club. Working as a coach with the City Football Group is the best thing to have happened. There are a lot of people with knowledge behind us to achieve our targets. It means a lot and playing in the AFC Champions League is a big thing for us."

After being dominant in the first phase of the league, the Islanders had faltered towards the end as they managed to register only two wins in six games. However, they came back strongly in the last two matches of the league stage and clinched the title.

Lobera mentioned that even when the team was going through a tough period he never stopped believing in his players and that he was confident that they would turn things around.

"I always believe in my players because I am working with them all the time. They are warriors. They are ambitious players and amazing persons. We are a family on an off the pitch and finally, I think we were very strong mentally. We had a difficult situation when we lost one game against Jamshedpur but finally, we are a strong team and we deserved to finish at the top of the table," said the Spanish coach.

Lobera eyes ISL trophy

The former Las Palmas manager is not ready to settle for just the league shield as he has now set his sight on the ISL trophy. He also stated that the team needs to remain focused and cannot afford to become complacent after winning the league stage.

"The season is not over. We have to continue being ambitious but now we have to enjoy the play-offs. We want to win the trophy.

"At this moment, every team is a difficult team. We have to be careful. It is (FC Goa) going to be a very good game against a good team and hopefully, we will win the semi-final," said Lobera.

Arsenal recorded their first away win against a top three Premier League team for six years when they beat Leicester 3-1 on Sunday.

The Gunners went behind just six minutes into the clash with the Foxes as Youri Tielemans fired low past Bernd Leno, but Mikel Arteta's team fought back later in the half when a free-kick from Willian was met by the head of David Luiz and evaded Kasper Schmeichel's grasp, before Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty in stoppage time. 

Nicolas Pepe then rounded off the scoring in the second half as the visitors recorded their second win in six Premier League matches.

When did Arsenal last beat a top three team?

It is the first time in 15 attempts that the north London side have won away at a team that started the game in the top three of the English top-flight.

The last time they did so was in January 2015 when they beat Manchester City 2-0, when Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla scored to seal the three points for Arsene Wenger's team.

Willian and David Luiz team up again

Willian and David Luiz may have combined for a Gunners goal for the first time, but the pair have linked up to find the net in the Premier League before when they were at Chelsea.

They are just the second duo to have scored Premier League goals for Arsenal and another team, following in the footsteps of John Hartson and Ian Wright, who did so at West Ham.

Meanwhile, Pepe kept up his good form with his fifth goal in 18 matches in the league. He has now matched the tally he recorded in 31 appearances last season.

What next for the Gunners?

Arsenal have another away game next Saturday when they take on Burnley, followed by the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie against Olympiacos. Three days later they will host north London rivals Tottenham.

Further reading

AFC Leopards claimed a second consecutive Football Kenya Federation Premier League win after beating Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

Clyde Senaji and Elvis Rupia scored to hand Patrick Aussems a second straight win as Allan Wanga scored the only goal for the home side whose chair Cleophas Shimanyula had claimed they were poised for a comfortable win.

Tedian Esilaba, who made his AFC Leopards debut and got injured against Ulinzi Stars, needed medical attention in the sixth minute but was able to continue thereafter. He was partnering Senaji for the second straight time as captain Robinson Kamura dropped to the bench.

Senaji, who is in talks with the club as he seeks to terminate his contract with Ingwe, scored the opener in the 10th minute. The former Tusker star launched a fierce strike in the 18-yard area that David Juma in Kakamega Homeboyz goal could not stop.

In the 12th minute Esilaba, who signed from Nairobi City Stars recently, could not continue and was replaced by Kamura once more.

In the 28th minute, Rupia scored to extend AFC Leopards' lead in a match that was fairly attended by their supporters. Marvin Nabwire did well to collect the ball in midfield, put it on Rupia's path and the striker launched his trademark shot that Juma stood little chance to stop.

The hosts had a clear chance in the 34th minute but Wanga's powerful header was dealt with by Benjamin Ochan who had remained untested for the better part of the opening 30 minutes.

A minute after the second half began, Aussems replaced midfielder Eugene Mukangula with Said Tsuma. Wanga scored for the hosts in the 57th minute as he ended up denying his former side a clean sheet. 

In response to Kakamega Homeboyz pressure, Aussems made more changes as he replaced Nabwire and Bienvenue Shaka with Hansel Ochieng and Peter Thiong'o a minute after the hour mark.

There were chances for Muyoti's side in the last 10 minutes but Chris Masinza, who had replaced Wanga, saw his effort flew slightly wide. As the home side persistently attacked, Ingwe were able to deal with the pressure and finally emerged winners. They will remain third though with 25 points one fewer than KCB who lost 3-0 to Kariobangi Sharks.

Kakamega Homeboyz XI: David Juma, Collins Odhiambo, Wainaina, George Odiwour, David Owino, Wakhanya, Stephen Etyang, Estone Esiye, Allan Wanga, Moses Mudavadi, Shami Kibwana.

Subs: Emase, Arrot, Oketch B, Opoku, Olaniyi, Eshihanda, Okoth David, Masinza.

AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Yusuf Mange, Tedian Esilaba, Isaac Kipyegon,  Clyde Senaji, Marvin Nabwire, Eugene Mukangula, Caleb Olilo, Fabrice Mugheni, Elvis Rupia, Bienvenue Shaka.

Subs: Oyemba, Bandi, Kamura, Odhiambo, Ochieng, Tsuma, Awiti, Thiong'o, Mwendwa.

Tottenham left-back Ben Davies believes Gareth Bale is harshly criticised and is confident the winger can play a key role in the team's bid to climb up the Premier League table.

Bale has started just two of the eight Premier League matches in which he has featured since he returned to the north London side on loan from Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old has been the subject of a lot of criticism since he first joined Madrid in 2013 and some pundits, including former Spurs star Dimitar Berbatov and manager Glenn Hoddle , have been disappointed by his input this season.

What has been said?

Davies told reporters: "When you have players of his quality, the levels he has reached in the game, whether it be Gareth Bale, Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Lionel] Messi, everyone has a story about them being great now or poor the next day or not reaching the heights they have reached.

"Gareth has had a lot of criticism, probably unjustly, when he was at the top of his form. He is an incredibly tough person to have to deal with some of the stuff he has had to deal with off the field and still perform the way he has throughout his career. 

"Even after four Champions Leagues, what he’s done for the national team, what he did for Real Madrid, he still gets questioned about his ability. That must be tough to take. I think he deals with it pretty incredibly. He is a terrific footballer and a great bloke."

He continued: "Expectation is all opinionated. You might have had a different expectation to what I had. Gareth is Gareth. He always gives his best and I think we have seen in games this year, he has scored goals and made assists. He has got the quality there. I am sure we will see it for the rest of the season."

Spurs' slump

Tottenham have won just one of their last six matches in the Premier League and have dropped to ninth ahead of Sunday's match against Burnley.

Davies is confident his side can turn their fortunes around and has tipped Bale to make an impact.

"We want to finish as high as we can and we certainly don’t want to be where we are now. This season is a bit mad to be honest. It’s very up and down," he said.

"If we go on a little run, and it doesn’t need to be too drastic, we can be back in the mix. It has been very strange, it is definitely a blip but one we want to put to bed now and turn it around.

"We all know the quality Gareth has and we are going to have a lot of games where he is going to be vital for us. I am looking forward to seeing him out on the pitch."

Further reading

Harvey Barnes was stretchered off the pitch during Leicester's clash with Arsenal after suffering a leg injury.

Barnes went down in visible distress after overstretching for the ball in the second half of Sunday's Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium.

The 23-year-old received treatment on the pitch but was ultimately unable to continue and had to be helped off the field of play by the Foxes' medical staff.

Leicester's mounting injury woes

Barnes is the latest in a long list of players to pick up injuries at Leicester at the start of the year, with James Maddison, Ayoze Perez, Wesley Fofana, Dennis Praet, Wes Morgan, and James Justin all currently taking in spells on the sidelines.

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that two or three players should be ready to return in early March, but Barnes will have to be examined before the club can give a firm timeframe on his recovery.

What games could Barnes miss?

Leicester will only be given two days of rest before their next Premier League outing at Burnley on Wednesday, which could come too soon for Barnes.

Supporters will hope that the winger is able to get back to full training in time for a meeting with Brighton three days later, but if his injury turns out to be a severe one, he could miss a crucial period in the Foxes' season.

Rodgers' side are due to take on Sheffield United on March 14 as their top-four bid continues, and they also have an FA Cup quarter-final date against Manchester United to look forward to next month.

How important has Barnes been to Leicester this season?

Barnes had been enjoying his best season yet at Leicester before being dealt a frustrating setback against Arsenal, forming one-third of a fearsome attacking triumvirate alongside Maddison and Jamie Vardy.

The England international has scored nine goals in 26 Premier League matches this term, three more than he managed in the whole of 2019-20, while also providing six assists.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has come out to explain why he decided to rotate his squad during their fourth-round domestic cup clash against African Lyon on Friday.

The Msimbazi giants came into the match after their 1-0 win against Al Ahly of Egypt in the Caf Champions League and coach Da Rosa had promised to rotate his squad despite the club’s ambitions to win all the trophies on offer this campaign.

Simba roared to a 3-0 win against Lyon to reach the fifth round of the competition with the goals coming from Ibrahim Ajibu, who scored a brace, and Perfect Chikwende.

Kennedy Juma, Gadiel Michael, Erasto Nyoni, Ibrahim Ame, Jonas Mkude, and Ajibu were the players who the coach opted to start in place of regulars Shomari Kapombe, Mohammed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Taddeo Lwanga, and Yassin Mzamiru.

Da Rosa has since explained it was important to rotate his squad since he has another match coming up in the league on Monday.

“It was very important for some players to rest today [Friday] because we have another important match on Monday [tomorrow]. I am satisfied with this win and the general performance of the team,” Da Rosa said as quoted by Daily News.

“Of course, at Simba, we have a big squad not only the first eleven, but we also have 30 important players in the squad hence on Monday others will get a chance to play.”

On why he handed captain John Bocco a few minutes in the game despite recently recovering from injury, Da Rosa said: “Bocco is a very good player and for sure, we need him for all our games.”

African Lyon coach Raheem Kangezi congratulated his players for the good fight even though they had been eliminated from the competition.

“As you saw, we played well against Simba only they were able to utilise well mistakes we made thereby we got punished in the end,” Kangezi told the same publication.

“What we are doing is simply to implement government’s efforts to uplift sports development, that is why we have been able to produce many players in the league.”

Simba face JKT Tanzania in their next league match on Monday.

John Stones says Manchester City's battling spirit is a "sign of a great team".

City picked up their 20th successive victory across all competitions by beating West Ham 2-1 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's men were made to work hard for the three points against a well organised Hammers outfit, and Stones was pleased with the mental toughness the squad showed to extend their unprecedented winning run.

What was said?

"We knew we were going to have a battle," said Stones. "Massive credit to West Ham and how they set up. We had to dig deep and they made it really difficult for us.

"We were a bit deflated after conceding late in the first half but we had to show our character and our experience, come out in the second half and fight like we always have done.

"I feel we put our hearts on our sleeves, really dug in and the defensive work from everyone, I think is the sign of a great team and hopefully things to come."

How did City get the better of West Ham?

After a tense first half-hour of action, City finally made the breakthrough when Ruben Dias headed home a pinpoint Kevin de Bruyne cross after a clever run in behind the Hammers defence.

The hosts were stunned when Antionio equalised with a close-range finish right on half-time, but the Premier League leaders were not to be denied.

City stepped up a gear in the second period and eventually got their reward when Stones smashed into the net after being set up by Riyad Mahrez in the 68th minute.

Asked to discuss his and Dias' contribution in the final third, Stones responded: "We're trying to chip in and get our goals, and they were two important ones. It's great for us and great for the team that everyone is contributing with goals, getting on the scoresheet, getting that momentum. Hopefully it continues."

What's next?

City will be back in Premier League action at home to Wolves on Tuesday, with that fixture coming just five days before they are due to face arch-rivals Manchester United.

Guardiola's men are now sitting 13 points ahead of the second-placed Red Devils in the table having played one game more, and look well placed to wrestle the title back from Liverpool come May.

Further reading

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel has thanked the Government of Odisha for stepping up to host the upcoming edition of the Indian Women's League (IWL) amid challenging circumstances. 

The Indian FA, on Sunday, announced Odisha as the hosts of the 2020-21 season of the IWL. The dates and format of the tournament will be announced at a later date. 

AIFF and Odisha have a longstanding partnership that sees the state providing access to their impressive training and stadium facilities for various national teams across age groups. And now, at time the pandemic is raging through the world, Odisha have stepped up to host the fifth season of the IWL.

“The Government of Odisha has been a great supporter of Indian Football. We are very thankful to Shri Naveen Patnaik (Odisha CM), Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev (Principal Secretary for Sports, Odisha), Mr. Vineel Krishna and the entire Sports Department of Odisha for extending all the support & help to organise the Indian Women’s League," Patel said.

He also mentioned how the IWL, since its inception in 2016, has become an important tournament for women footballers. It must be noted that Patel had stated his commitment for women's football multiple times in the past.

"Over the years, the tournament has provided the platform for a lot of budding women footballers to show-case their talent and provide them the option of taking up football as a career," he added.

Gokulam Kerala are the defending champions of the IWL which saw a participation of 12 teams in the 2019-20 season. With India set to host the U17 Women's World Cup and the Women's Asia Cup in 2022, the announcement of IWL would be a significant development for women's football.

Odisha's sports minister Tushar Kanti Behera also threw his weight behind women's football and said tournaments like IWL will help girls bring more laurels for the country. 

“Holistic development of sports in India, and Indian football, in particular, is Odisha Sports’ vision. Odisha has been synonymous with women’s football in India for long. I am an ardent supporter of women empowerment, and the hosting of the Indian Women’s League in Odisha allows us the opportunity to contribute to the development of women’s football in the country along with the All India Football Federation. Women sportspersons in India have been bringing huge laurels for the country and I am confident our women footballers will garner more glory in the near future.”

The AIFF had recently organised a national camp and a tour of Turkey for the India national women's team where they played against Serbia, Russia and Ukraine.

Chelsea star Mason Mount is targeting Premier League and Champions League glory under Thomas Tuchel, who he has described as "passionate" and "very clear" in his goals at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel has had an immediate impact at Chelsea since replacing Frank Lampard in the managerial hot seat last month, winning six of his first eight games in charge.

Mount has been impressed with the German's no-nonsense approach behind the scenes and thinks the Blues are now in great shape to fight for major honours on both domestic and European fronts.

What was said?

Mount told the Daily Mail of Tuchel: "He’s very passionate. When he came in, we had a meeting, we had training and we had one day before a game and everyone knew their role with the team.

"It was very clear what he wanted. The players understand what a new manager wants and what his goal of playing is, what he wants off the ball, what he wants on the ball, what kind of movement. He made it very easy to understand. We’ve been learning more and more."

Asked what Chelsea can achieve with Tuchel in the dugout, the midfielder responded: "We need to be setting our targets at that vision of wanting to win Premier Leagues, wanting to win trophies, wanting to win the Champions League.

"I feel like with the group we have, we can definitely do it. We’re very hungry to achieve it, very driven."

How has Mount performed under Tuchel?

Mount was dropped to the bench for Tuchel's first game in charge against Wolves on January 27, leading to question marks over his position in the squad.

However, the England international has started all five of Chelsea's subsequent Premier League fixtures, scoring twice, including from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend.

"I’m definitely not content with just playing well or having good games," Mount added on his form. "I want to do more. I’m happy but I’m not happy until I keep getting better and better and I’m at that stage where I know I can."

The bigger picture

Chelsea can move back into the Premier League's top four if they beat Manchester United on Sunday, which would complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since Tuchel's arrival.

The Blues warmed up for the contest by beating Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League last tie last week, and they also have an FA Cup quarter-final against Sheffield United next month.

Further reading

Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia believes his team will now be taken seriously after a 2-1 win over Tusker FC in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The two teams played at the Kasarani Annex on Saturday evening. The hosts scored through Stephen Waruru and Batts Awita while the visitors struck courtesy of Humphrey Mieno.

The Thika-based charges' win also ended the Brewers' 14-match unbeaten run. Of the 14 games, seven were back-to-back wins that ensured the 11-time league champions topped the league.

"Everybody expected us to lose the game on Sunday thanks to Tusker's form," Akhulia told Goal on Sunday.

"But I told my players to make use of the underdogs' tag and show what they are capable of doing. They gave their best and I am happy at the end of it, we walked home with maximum points. 

"After our win, I believe now we will be taken seriously and other teams will stop seeing us as underdogs. 

"Some teams thought it would be easy to get three points from us because we have been promoted, but we are proving them wrong."

The youthful tactician believes the win over the former champions will be a massive boost on the confidence of his players.

"The win against Tusker was massive because they are leading the table," Akhulia continued.

"Winning against them is a morale-booster to my entire team since it will give us a base for our next game. We want to continue giving our best and anyone undermining us will be in for a rude shock.

"I have faith in the players I have and we will be working on achieving our targets this season by working together as a unit. More is coming and I believe we will give other teams a run for their money."

After their recent win, Bidco are seventh on the table with 20 points from the 14 matches they have played. The debutants have managed to get five wins, as many draws and four losses.

Tusker remain top of the table with 32 points from 14 games as well. They have won 10 of those, drawn two and lost two games.

Newly-elected Football Association of Zambia president Andrew Kamanga has stated he will focus on healing the divided football fraternity in the country after winning another term in office.

Kamanga earned another term after collecting 57 votes against Emmanuel Munaile's 29, and the president will now focus on bringing the stakeholders together after the exercise.

“Healing is a priority, looking at where we are coming from in the last four years. We want to ensure that we unite everybody and speak with one voice,” Kamanga said as per FAZ Facebook page.

“I think the new executive has a duty to bring everybody on board.

“Having said that we still have to remember that football is a rule-based game and we have to follow the due process but I remain committed to this healing process because we need to start focussing on the game rather than the administrators.

“I just hope that going forward, we should be able to carry everyone along so that ultimately Zambian football will be the winner.”

The FA boss also talked about the need to invest in grassroots football and said any previous achievements will act as the building blocks for the new targets.

“It is like every other building; you have the foundation, so you will see in the next four years the building getting up to roof level and hopefully we can put the roof in the next four years," he added.

"We will continue investing in youth football, we will continue building on what we have achieved so far, taking into account the short-comings we have had."

The Chipolopolo will need to win the remaining African Cup of Nations qualifiers in order to book a slot in the finals in Cameroon next year.

Apart from the need to fight for the Afcon slot, Kamanga has stressed the importance of successfully fighting for a maiden World Cup ticket.

“I think the cry from all the soccer fans has been the non-performance of the senior national team," stated Kamanga.

"I think that is an area we are going to prioritise, as you know we have got two qualifiers against Algeria and Zimbabwe.

"We are still in with a chance and the next three weeks will be crucial to ensure that we get the team to the Africa Cup of Nations.

"We really need to have everyone on board, all the players who are eligible will be given an opportunity to be part of the team so that ultimately we achieve that target of qualifying the team.

“We also have the World Cup qualifiers starting in June, we hope that this time around we will have a strong case to put up qualification to the world cup. Fifty-six years after independence we have never been to the World Cup and that has always eluded us.”

Justin Mumba was elected as Kamanga's deputy while Jordan Maliti, Mwansa Kapyanga, Chisanga Pule, David Simwinga, Crispin Kamuna, Arthur Kamulosu, Patrick Ndhlovu, Collins Mukwala, Francis Hafwiti and Mweemba Mujala were elected as the FAZ executive committee members.

Police FC head coach Abdallah Mubiru was left upset with the time-wasting tactics employed by Bright Stars in the 2-2 draw in the Ugandan Premier League outing at Kavumba Recreation Grounds on Saturday.

Sulaiman Ssekamatte opened the scores in favour of the hosts after 13 minutes but Brian Muluuli struck back for the visitors to level matters 20 minutes later.

Ssekamate completed his brace on the hour mark but Muluuli ensured the spoils were shared when he scored his second in the 85th minute. 

Despite getting a point, the Cops tactician was left infuriated by his opponents.

"I like to condemn the act of time-wasting," Mubiru expressed his feelings afterwards.

"We do not benefit from anything as a sport from these tactics. I saw Bright Stars, every time they took the lead, they started wasting time which in the end did not help them because probably the time they wasted should have helped them scoring one more goal. 

"I think that is one vice that we need to fight against. I have talked to the match officials today, and I have frequently been talking to Ali Tomusange [head of referee’s body] about the same. We need to find solutions against such."

The coach was impressed with his attackers for consistently hitting the back of the net, but did not hide his disappointment as his charges conceded two goals.

"We have faced a tough game against tough opponents who were prepared to stop us from playing the way we would have loved to play and I think they succeeded most of the time," Mubiru added.  

"I thank my players for the effort and character they have shown because coming from down twice is not easy but they have done it. It is unfortunate that we are now beginning to concede.  

"At the beginning of the season, this is one area that we wanted to find solutions and now it is three games that we are conceding a goal. 

"The good thing is that we have continued scoring and we have scored more than one goal in the last four goals which is encouraging but we need to keep it a bit tighter at the back."  

The next assignment for Police will be against Mbarara City on Wednesday. 

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has tipped Linda Mntambo for greatness, saying the Buccaneers star has the potential to surpass his goal-scoring record.

Vilakazi is Pirates’ all-time top goalscorer with 52 goals for the club he played for between 199 and 2007 as a midfielder.

With Mntambo establishing himself as a key player for coach Josef Zinnnbauer, Vilakazi feels that the former Chippa United man can become the club’s record scorer.

This is despite the player being 31 years of age and having scored just seven goals in all competitions since joining the Soweto giants in 2018.

“He has the potential to break my record and that is why I am happy. I am not that person who leaves the door closed. It is open and I believe that all of us need to grow,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

“The boy must not look back, he has the potential, he can do it. I’m supporting him all the way and I am behind him. I want him to do something we last witnessed a long time ago when a midfielder can create and score goals.

“I was disturbed that [Nkanyiso] Zungu and Mntambo were not even on the bench in the last game against SuperSport.

"Today [Saturday] Zinnbauer starts Mntambo. I was not really comfortable with that because psychologically it does not lift the player that the last game he was not there and now he is back to start. He may think that maybe the coach is testing me how strong I am mentally.

“But look, I said it before about this boy and I will say it again. It’s been a while seeing a midfielder who dies this and I just wish that this boy can continue working hard. We always cry that strikers are not scoring, But it is not only the job of strikers to score.

“Midfielders also need to create and score. This boy after a long period of seeing midfielders getting into those positions creating and scoring, if you check the past two games he has played, he has scored in successive games.

“The last game he was not in the team, look at him today he created a chance. I am not putting pressure on him but I love what he does, I will support him all the way.”

Mntambo played the entire match in Saturday's 3-1 Nedbank Cup win over Maritzburg United and provided an assist for Deon Hotto’s goal.

This was after the player had scored in back-to-back matches against Jwaneng Galaxy in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Timo Werner has admitted feeling "guilty" over the sacking of Frank Lampard, who he believes would still be at Chelsea if he had delivered the goals.

Lampard was relieved of his managerial duties at Chelsea on January 25 after a disastrous run of results that saw the club slip out of the title race.

Werner, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig last summer, was guilty of squandering clear chances during that period and has now taken a portion of the responsibility for Lampard's dismissal.

What was said?

"When you come here to play as a striker and be the man to score the goals, of course, I felt a little bit guilty that I missed so many chances," the German striker told Sky Sports. "For the club, for the old manager but also for me because I want to score all the time and as much as I possibly can.

"Of course, if I'd scored four or five more goals maybe the old manager would still be here because we'd maybe have won two or three games more but you can't look too much into the past because there are too many games ahead of us."

Has Werner improved since Lampard's exit?

Ex-Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel has quickly set about stamping his own mark on the Chelsea squad since replacing Lampard, and has steadied the ship by delivering six wins from his first eight games in charge.

Werner has been a regular in the starting XI at the start of Tuchel's reign, with the 24-year-old primarily deployed on the left of a front-three in a new 3-4-3 set-up.

The ex-Leipzig star brought a 14-game scoreless run to an end by finding the net in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle on February 15, and has also recorded three assists in his first six games under Tuchel.

Werner is suddenly looking like more of a threat in the final third, but will hope to add to his tally between now and the end of the season with his modest record at Chelsea currently standing at 10 goals in 34 appearances.

What's next?

Werner will likely have another chance to impress when Chelsea play host to Manchester United in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday. The Blues will then look ahead to a meeting with defending champions Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday, which comes four days before they are due to play host to Everton.

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KCB head coach Zedekiah Otieno has described the Football Kenya Federation Premier League games against Nzoia Sugar and Sofapaka as disappointing ahead of Sunday's encounter against Kariobangi Sharks.

The Bankers were defeated by the Sugar Millers 2-1 before a 2-2 draw against Sofapaka in Wundanyi and those results denied them a chance to overtake Tusker at the Premier League apex, and thus they will need a positive reaction against the Eastlands club.

“We have had two disappointing games, we have lost to Nzoia Sugar and drew with Sofapaka," the former Harambee Stars coach told Goal.

"We resumed training, and the boys are a little bit tired because of the travelling they have done in the space of two days.

"But we have worked on their recovery to make sure that they are ready for the Kariobangi Sharks game."

While the KCB coach was disappointed with the result termed against Sofapaka, Batoto ba Mungu's coach Ken Odhiambo said earlier they felt cheated after Timothy Otieno's goal was disallowed.  

“We really feel cheated not to have picked full points against KCB,” Odhiambo said. “Timothy [Otieno] scored a clear open goal but it was ruled out for an offside. Otieno’s header would have sealed the three points for us and thus we feel so cheated by the offside call.

“I usually don’t like to comment on officiating but Wednesday’s one I clearly lack words to describe the turn of events in the match but it wasn’t a good one. We were better in the second half and we feel cheated we should have collected maximum points.”

As KCB try to find the footing in the title race, the return of Enock Agwanda, who had been sidelined with a long-term injury, is a big boost for them.

The former Sony Sugar and Gor Mahia striker is hopeful the Bankers will soon return to their winning ways.

“I started my rehabilitation for the last two weeks and I am regaining my fitness back," narrated Agwanda. 

"I miss the game so much, and when I see the lads putting in some good performances I miss the game even more. I hope this weekend the team will continue with the good performances they have been putting and emerge victoriously.”
 
KCB, with a game in hand, would hope for a win in order to narrow the gap to leaders Tusker, who were defeated 2-1 by Premier League debutants Bidco United at Kasarani on Saturday.

A win will take the Bankers to their 29th point, three fewer than Tusker's tally after playing 13 games.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has rebuilt his career at Fulham according to Scott Parker, who says the Chelsea loanee was "weary and down" when he first arrived at Craven Cottage.

Loftus-Cheek is currently playing a key role in Fulham's Premier League survival bid, having been snapped up on a season-long loan in October.

Parker has been delighted with the 25-year-old's contribution and thinks the midfielder has rediscovered his best form after losing his confidence at Stamford Bridge.

What was said?

The Fulham boss talked up Loftus-Cheek's talents ahead of their meeting with Crystal Palace on Sunday, telling reporters: "From when he first came into the building you could sense someone a little bit weary and someone who was a little bit down.

"He had been out for an extremely long time and had not played a lot of football. I've just seen someone grow, grow and grow into the player who we've all seen.

"There's still loads to come but this is a player at this moment in time who, given moments in games, can take the game by the scruff of the neck and be that powerful, technically-gifted midfield player.

"I think he's grown in confidence. I think the environment and the work he's done in this short space of time has been a credit to him. I've been very, very pleased with him and he's going in the right direction."

Loftus-Cheek's record at Fulham

Loftus-Cheek has racked up 22 appearances for Fulham, with 21 of those coming in the Premier League.

The  England international has only scored once for the Cottagers and has yet to provide an assist, but his overall performances have helped the west London club close the gap on 17th place  since the turn of the year.

The bigger picture

Fulham reportedly have the option to buy Loftus-Cheek outright for £9 million ($12.5m) in the summer, with Chelsea willing to sanction their academy graduate's departure despite the fact he is still tied to the Blues until 2024.

If the playmaker continues to perform at a high level between now and the end of the season the Cottagers could bring him into their books, but much could depend on whether or not they end up being relegated.

Fulham will be facing huge financial losses if they drop back down to the Championship, meaning Loftus-Cheek could still end up back at Chelsea later in the year.

Further reading