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Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has named Brazil legend Ronaldo as 'the best player in history'.

Ibrahimovic expressed his admiration towards the World Cup winner ahead of Milan's Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night, while putting him ahead of modern-day greats such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time list of top players.

The 39-year-old thinks Ronaldo Nazario, who inspired Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, transcended the game with his unique talents and still stands out as the unrivalled master of the footballing craft to this day.

What was said?

Zlatan told Discovery Plus: "I don't need to describe Ronaldo, 'The Phenomenon'.

"I always say you have the players that play the game, and the players that are the game. For me, Ronaldo is the game. When you watch him play, everyone wanted to play like him and become like him.

"The way he was moving, the way he did his stepovers, the way he did 'the snake'. The way he was moving, for me he's the greatest player through history, no doubt."

Ronaldo's extraordinary career

Ronaldo began his professional career in his homeland with Cruzeiro in 1993, and went on to play for PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, Milan and Corinthians.

The Brazilian forward scored 296 goals in 452 matches in total, while also winning three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and two Ballons d'Or - the first of which saw him enter the record books as the youngest ever winner of the prize at 21.

Ronaldo was almost unstoppable during his spells at Barca and Inter, and he helped Brazil reach the World Cup final in 1998 before scoring eight goals in the 2002 World Cup to fire the Selecao to their fifth title.

Ronaldo then joined Real Madrid at the height of the club's 'Galactico' era, and ended up staying at Santiago Bernabeu for five years - the longest spell at one club in his entire career - securing one La Liga crown along the way.

How does Ibrahimovic compare?

Ibrahimovic doesn't have as many individual gongs to his name as Ronaldo, but he has amassed more major silverware at club level than the former Madrid star managed.

Ronaldo only won 13 trophies over the course of his 18-year career, while Ibrahimovic has already won 31, including league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France.

The veteran Swede's scoring record also holds up against his footballing idol's, with over 500 goals recorded from almost 800 appearances across all competitions during his 21-year spell in the game.

Further reading

Ghana are through to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania following a 4-2 penalty win over Cameroon on Thursday.

With the score at 1-1 after extra-time, the game headed into a shoot-out where the Black Satellites reigned supreme.

After 90 minutes, Frank Boateng scored to cancel out a Kevin-Prince Milla opener for Cameroon at Stade Olympique in Nouakchott.

Abdul Karim Zito's men head into the last four where a date with the winners of the clash between Gambia and the Central African Republic awaits on Monday.

Ghana came into the game on the back of a loss to Gambia in their last group game which left them third on the table.

Cameroon, on the other hand, finished top of Group A with a 100 per cent record after wins against Uganda, Mauritania and Mozambique.

Ghana coach Zito made three changes to his starting team for the game, replacing centre back Nathaniel Adjei with Alhassan Uzair.

Schalke 04 attacker Joselpho Barnes and Ofori McCarthy were replaced by Mathew Anim Cudjoe and captain Afriyie Barnieh Afriyie, who lost his starting place since the beginning of the tournament.

After a barren 90 minutes, Cameroon broke the deadlock in the 13th minute of extra-time as Milla headed in beyond Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim following an Etienne Eto'o corner.

Ghana did not waste time in responding, substitute Frank Boateng beat goalkeeper Junior Hercube Wilson with a cool effort after Afriyie nodded the ball onto his path.

Without any further goals, the game headed straight into penalties where Ghana ultimately emerged victorious.

In the shoot-out, captain Afriyie, Frank Assinki, Ivan Anokye Mensah and Percious Boah expertly converted for the Satellites while Goni Ali and Milla missed their kicks for Cameroon to let the opposition through.

Ghana are chasing their fourth Afcon title after wins in 1993, 1999 and 2009.

The Satellites started the tournament on a positive note, handing Tanzania a 4-0 thrashing. Their matchday two fixture with Morocco ended in a 0-0 draw, before falling 2-1 against the Gambia on matchday three.

The dynamics of the results left the Black Satellites third on the standings behind group winners Morocco and second-placed Gambia.

With the best two third-placed sides among the three groups qualifying for the quarter-final due to the three-group nature of the tournament, Zito's charges barely slipped through to the last eight. 

Tanzania Premier League Disciplinary Board has asked Young Africans to explain why they should not be fined for the chaos that erupted during their match against Mtibwa Sugar.

According to the board, Yanga's security officers harassed Mtibwa Sugar's players as they were heading to the change room during a game that ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Timu ya Wananchi.

"Yanga must explain why a disciplinary issue should not be taken against them following an altercation that occurred between their security officials and Mtibwa Sugar," the statement obtained by Goal read.

"Kondo Kipwata, Carlos Leonard and Seif Ngunge, who were in charge of security for Yanga, harassed Mtibwa Sugar players on February 20 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

"Mtibwa Sugar have been asked to warn their players from engaging in acts of violence in future after the players confronted Yanga's fans after that game."

Biashara United have been fined Tsh500,000 for the chaos caused by their fans during a Premier League encounter against Simba SC on February 18.

The league board has meted out the punishment for Biashara United who lost the encounter 1-0.

"Biashara United have been fined Tsh500,000 after their fans threw water cans towards the assistant referee in the 31st minute at Karume Stadium in Mara," TPLB's statement continued to read.

"The decision to fine Biashara United has been arrived at based on regulation number 45(1) of the Premier League."

In another incident, Biashara United have been warned after their players arrived at the match venue late. The Premier League body stated the players were required to arrive at 12:30 before their match against Ruvu Shooting but they arrived 25 minutes later. The match was held at Karume Stadium in Mara and the hosts ended up winning 3-0.

"This warning has been delivered based on the Premier League's regulation number 15(9) that guides the competition," it added.

Meanwhile, Dodoma Jiji have been fined Tsh500, 0000 after their players descended from the bus and entered the dressing room facing backwards.

"Dodoma Jiji have been fined for the players and officials entering the changing rooms facing backwards in an act that insinuated belief in black magic," the statement said.

Dodoma Jiji ended up winning the tie 2-1 on February 17.

Finally, Kinondoni Municipal Council have been warned after they entered the dressing room using an undesignated door after completing their pre-match warm-up ahead of the Mwadui FC tie on February 16. 

Manchester United fans in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have a reason to smile as StarTimes will be offering them exclusive club content 24 hours-a-day. 

In the new partnership by the respective parties, StarTimes will broadcast the Red Devils content through MUTV to over 30 countries across sub-Saharan Africa which is the biggest agreement by the English side in the region.

"Viewers in countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana will receive exclusive Manchester United content 24 hours-a-day via StarTimes platforms," read a joint statement obtained by Goal.

"MUTV is the world’s leading football club TV channel, featuring first team and Academy games, live manager’s press conferences, player interviews, award-winning documentaries, and news.

"StarTimes has 13 million subscribers through its DVB digital TV service and 20 million users of its OTT streaming service, widening access to top-quality digital entertainment throughout sub-Saharan Africa." 

Manchester United Chief Executive of Media Phil Lynch believes the new partnership will bring the fans closer to the club as well as increase their reach.

"We are proud to have hundreds of millions of passionate fans in Africa and this long-term agreement will allow them to get closer to the club through MUTV’s exclusive, round-the-clock content from Old Trafford and the AON Training Complex," Lynch stated. 

"MUTV is one of our most important channels for engaging with fans around the world, whether through linear or direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, and we are excited to be significantly increasing its reach through our new partner, StarTimes, in Africa."

StarTimes Sports Deputy Director Kristen Miao could not hide his joy for sealing the deal.

"Manchester United is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world. We are delighted to share MUTV with football fans across Africa as part of our commitment to enhancing our subscriber's experience." 

The Red Devils have been doing quite well in the Premier League this season. They are currently second on the table with 49 points from 25 matches. The former champions have won 14 games, drawn seven, and lost four. Rivals Manchester City are top with 59 points. 

This season's Champions League and Europa League knockout stages have been affected by the public health measures introduced to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, with some games being moved.

Travel restrictions are in place in a number of countries and ties involving English clubs were notably impacted by last-minute venue changes.

Manchester City's match with Borussia Monchengladbach and Liverpool's game against RB Leipzig took place in Hungary, while Chelsea had to play Atletico Madrid in Romania.

In the Europa League, Arsenal played Portuguese giants Benfica in Italy and the return tie was set for Greece rather than London, while Manchester United played Real Sociedad in Italy.

The decision to move games to nominally neutral venues has raised the question - shouled 'away goals' count in these ties? 

Do away goals count in neutral venues?

Yes - away goals still count in the Champions League and Europa League knockout games, even if one leg happens to be played at a neutral stadium.

The away goals rule only apply in two-legged knockout ties. It is one of three ways to decide a tie adopted by UEFA, along with extra time and penalties.

In the event that a team is forced to change venue for a particular leg of a tie, as in the extraordinary circumstances of this pandemic, the same rules for deciding the outcome of a tie continue to apply.

The home leg is still considered 'home' and the away leg is still considered 'away' for administrative purposes.

Of course, despite fans not being permitted at most games at the moment, an argument could be made that any advantage or disadvantage may be lost at a neutral venue, particularly if only one team is affected.

When tiny margins can have a major effect on the outcome of games, things such as having to make a journey or playing on an unfamiliar pitch in an alien environment could potentially hinder some individuals.

Nevertheless, the rules will remain in place as they are currently applied.

Which games have been affected by venue changes?

You can see the ties that have been recently affect below.

Champions League last 16

Borussia Monchengladbach, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig had to change the venues of their Champions League last-16 first-leg games against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.

City, Chelsea and Liverpool all won in their nominal 'away' legs.

The second legs will all go ahead as initially scheduled in England, meaning the Premier League representatives will all play at their own stadiums.

Europa League last 32

Tottenham played Austria's Wolfsberger in Hungary before welcoming them to England for the second leg. Away goals were not needed to decide the tie, however, as Spurs won 8-1 on aggregate.

Manchester United made light work of Real Sociedad in their away leg, which took place in Italy, beating the Spanish side 4-0.

Neither Arsenal nor Benfica will play at home in their last-32 tie, with Benfica's 'home' game taking place in Italy and Arsenal's 'home' game in Greece.

Will UEFA scrap the away goals rule?

Away goals will continue to be used where applicable for the remainder of the 2020-21 UEFA club tournaments, but it is possible that the rule will be scrapped in the future.

UEFA has indicated a willingness to review the rule for a number of years now, though there is no clear indication of when that might happen.

A number of influential coaches at big clubs have been critical of the rule in the past.

In 2018, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone said: “UEFA needs to have a look at how difficult it is to play a second leg at home, with your opponent having 30 extra minutes in which one of their goals counts double, when as the home side you don’t have this advantage."

Going further back to 2015, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested that the rule was "outdated", having been introduced in the 1960s as a way of encouraging teams to attack away from home.

Inter have announced five positive Covid-19 tests among the club's staff members, including CEO Giuseppe Marotta.

The Italian giants are dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus in the boardroom after their latest round of medical tests.

No senior players or coaches have been diagnosed with the illness at San Siro, but Inter have confirmed that several senior executives have posted positive tests, and steps are now being put in place to contain any possible spread.

What was said?

The Nerazzurri have released a statement on their website, which reads: "FC Internazionale Milano - following the tests carried out - announce that the two Managing Directors, Alessandro Antonello and Giuseppe Marotta, Sporting Director Piero Ausilio, Club lawyer Angelo Capellini and a member of the technical staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

"All coaches and the entire team will follow the procedures set out in the health protocol."

Have any players contracted Covid-19 at Inter in 2020-21?

Inter have had to deal with a number of positive coronavirus cases among the playing staff in 2020-21, which has stretched Antonio Conte's squad to the limit.

Aleksandar Kolarov, Daniele Padelli, Ionut Radu, Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Skriniar, Roberto Gagliardini, Ashley Young, Radja Nainggolan, Alessandro Bastoni and Achraf Hakimi were all sent into self-isolation in the first half of the season.

The Nerazzurri squad has been able to avoid further positive tests so far this year, which has allowed them to embark on an impressive run of form on the domestic scene.

What can Inter achieve this term?

Provided Conte can keep his squad free of further outbreaks between now and May, Inter are in great shape to win their first Serie A crown since 2009-10.

They are sitting top of the standings after 23 fixtures, four points ahead of second-placed AC Milan and eight above reigning champions Juventus, who have played a game less.

Inter also have the advantage of being able to focus all of their energy on the title race, having already been eliminated from the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

Further reading

Thierry Henry has stepped down as manager of MLS side CF Montreal for family reasons.

The legendary former Arsenal forward took over in November 2019 but said in a statement on Thursday that the coronavirus-enforced distance between himself and his family was proving too much of a strain.

The news comes only a day after former defender Laurent Ciman returned to the club as assistant coach. The search for a new permanent manager is now underway.

Why has Henry left Montreal?

Henry said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to take this decision. The last year has been an extremely difficult one for me personally.

“Due to the worldwide pandemic, I was unable to see my children. Unfortunately due to the ongoing restrictions and the fact that we will have to relocate to the US again for several months will be no different. The separation is too much of a strain for me and my kids.

“Therefore, it is with much sadness that I must take the decision to return to London and leave CF Montreal. I would like to thank the fans, players and all the staff of this club that have made me feel so welcome.”

The Frenchman was recently linked with taking over at Championship side Bournemouth, but the Cherries opted to appoint Jonathan Woodgate until the end of the season.

How did Henry do as Montreal manager?

Henry joined Montreal as a relatively novice manager, following a spell as assistant manager of Belgium and an unsuccessful stint in charge of Monaco.

In the 2020 season, he led the club to the MLS play-offs for the first time since 2016, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference.

They also reached the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they were beaten on away goals by Honduran side Olimpia.

Sporting director Olivier Renard said: “I want to thank him, first on a human level because he led the players by example last year by being away from his family, but also from a sporting level and for what we have built together since his arrival.

“We wanted to elevate this club and we are on the right track. The process of finding a new head coach is already underway and I will be looking for someone who is aligned with the philosophy we have implemented.”

Further reading

Bengaluru ended the ISL 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season in the seventh spot following a 3-2 loss to Jamshedpur at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Thursday.

The Blues interim coach Naushad Moosa admitted that he wanted to give young players a chance, with the team already having failed to qualify for the playoffs. He also said Marco Pezzaiuoli, the new head coach of Bengaluru, has been monitoring the performances of the youngsters and is impressed with them.

"The idea was to give youngsters time, things didn't work out. There were three early goals. That's what we had to change. Then we were almost there," Moosa said after the game.

"Of course, we have been recording the training sessions and he has been watching all the young talents. He's impressed with the way players are performing. They have the talent it is just that they have to believe in themselves," he added.

Dimas Delgado's future with the Blues remain uncertain but Moosaappreciated the courage shown by the Spaniard to come back from Spain and play the last match of the season after losing his father. 

"We need to respect it. I guess everyone knows he had left for home. I guess nobody knows the reason. The reason was he has lost his dad. So we are not sure what Marco (Pezzaiuoli) thinks, whether he will stay at Bengaluru or not. Since this was the last game, he had the courage to come back, and he said he will finish the league."

On Bengaluru FC talisman Sunil Chhetri's future with the club, he said, "As far as Sunil (Chhetri) is concerned I doubt he wants to leave Bengaluru FC. He will finish (his career) at Bengaluru FC. The feeling what he has for the club for seven years, I'm sure he will be attached to the club".

Speaking about his personal experience at the club, Moosa said he learnt how to handle pressure, and it will help him in future.

"These 11 games, it has been a learning moment, about players, opponents. In the 11 games as a coach, I have learnt how to handle situations. In the years to come, it will help me."

Jurgen Klopp’s “position as manager is not under any pressure”, says John Barnes, with a Liverpool legend confident that no reckless decisions will be made during an unfortunate run of form at Anfield.

The reigning Premier League champions have tumbled off the loftiest of perches this season, with unwanted records being set by a team that made positive history in 2019-20 when capturing a first domestic crown in 30 years.

Uncharacteristic struggles are being endured by Klopp’s side, leading to inevitable finger pointing, but Barnes believes continuity and stability will be sought on Merseyside regardless of how an eventful campaign plays out.

What has been said?

“If Jurgen Klopp gets his players back from injury and they are still playing in this poor form, then questions will continue to be asked, but what is currently going on has nothing to do with the manager,” Reds icon Barnes, speaking in association with BonusCodeBets, told Goal.

“Liverpool must finish in the top four and compete in the Champions League, but I am not writing off this season.

“Liverpool still have matches to play and to finish in the top four and win the Champions League, they need to be winning matches.

“Liverpool aren’t going to win the Premier League this season and Jurgen Klopp’s position as manager is not under any pressure.” 

Why are questions being asked of Liverpool?

The Reds have suffered a humbling fall from grace, with a string of untimely injuries conspiring against them.

Key men such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson have all spent time on the treatment table.

With the naming of a settled starting XI proving impossible, Liverpool have struggled to maintain the standards set in Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

Four successive defeats on home soil have been suffered for the first time in 98 years, while four consecutive setbacks in English top-flight competition represent the club’s worst run since 2002.

Barnes added on the difficulties at Anfield: “Jurgen Klopp should expect to face uncomfortable questions during this tricky period for Liverpool, regardless of his success in the last two seasons. 

“People think there’s a reason why things have happened this way and they will feel that it’s down to second season syndrome with Liverpool winning the league and the squad falling into complacency, but it’s none of that. 

“Liverpool are missing four players, two-centre backs which results in their two most influential midfield players having to play in defence and therefore results in different types of players playing in midfield which affects the front four and the full-backs, so it comes down the personnel not being available for Liverpool.

“This completely changes the way they play with the high press and passing fluidity, having a really negative effect on the team.

“Manchester City have enough players in their squad that when they lose three or four players to injuries, as they have done at points this season, they can still play well. 

“And, they have a lot of players who suit the style of play that City plays, so when new players come into the team, it fits perfectly. 

“Whereas Liverpool have lost a few players to injury and have players who have come in and aren’t the same personnel, which affects the team.”

The bigger picture

Klopp has already been forced to throw in a title towel, with a top-four finish now representing the height of Liverpool’s ambition.

They have slipped to sixth in the Premier League, five points adrift of the Champions League spots with 13 games left to take in.

A season that promised so much can still be salvaged there, while a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of an eagerly-anticipated last-16 encounter in Europe has the Reds on course for more European glory.

Further reading

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Jean-Philippe Gbamin is recovering well but not yet fit enough to feature against Southampton.

The Toffees will slug it out against  Ralph Hasenhuttl's men in a Premier League game on Monday at Goodison Park.

Gbamin has only made two appearances since he teamed up with Everton in the summer of 2019 from Bundesliga side Mainz 05.

Shortly after his arrival at Goodison Park, the midfielder suffered a thigh injury and had surgery which ruled him out for a couple of months.

The midfielder was close to returning to action in 2020 but damaged his Achilles tendon in training and has since been struggling to overcome the problems.

Ahead of their Premier League game against the Saints, Ancelotti has provided updates on the Ivory Coast international.

"Jean-Philippe Gbamin is progressing well,” Ancelotti said in a pre-match press conference at USM Finch Farm.

“We don’t know exactly when he can come back to train with the team – the same with Yerry Mina, also.”

The Goodison Park outfit ended their two-game losing run with a stunning victory over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

They are currently seventh on the Premier League table after gathering 40 points from 24 games and will hope to secure all three points against Southampton.

Gbamin started his senior career with French side Lens before joining Mainz in 2016 and made more than 90 appearances for the club during his three-year stay.

His consistent performances for the 05ers spurred the Goodison Park outfit to secure his signature, handling him a five-year contract.

Gbamin previously played for France U18, U19, U20 and U21 teams before switching his allegiance to Ivory Coast in 2017.

The midfielder has made 11 appearances for the West African side since making his debut for the Elephants against the Netherlands.

Everton are currently seventh on the Premier League table after gathering 40 points from 24 games and will hope to secure all three points against Southampton.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup Last-16 clash against Polokwane City has been postponed to March 10, while their Premier Soccer League trips to Stellenbosch and Swallows FC have been moved to dates yet to be decided.

This follows Caf sticking to Sunday, the day they scheduled the Brazilians to face CR Belouizdad in a Caf Champions League Group B match in Dar es Salaam.

Sundowns wanted the Champions League match to be played on Saturday, the same day the Nedbank Cup match was initially slated but Caf declined their request.

The PSL clash against Stellenbosch had been penciled for Tuesday but has now been postponed and the league will come up with a new date.

The March 10 date when they will meet Polokwane City was initially reserved for their league trip to Swallows FC which will also be rearranged.

“Mamelodi Sundowns’ Caf Champions League fixture against CR Belouizdad of Algeria has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday 28 February 2021 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Kick-off will be at 15h00 [CAT],” Sundowns announced.

“Our Nedbank Cup fixture against Polokwane City will take place on 10 March 2021 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Our PSL clash against Stellenbosch FC has been postponed to a further date.”

Downs’ focus is now on their trip to Tanzania for Sunday’s confrontation against Belouizdad.

They arrive in Dar es Salaam fresh after having been last involved in competitive action on February 17 when they beat Baroka FC 2-0 in a league match.

Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena explains the advantages as well as the negatives of the break from games.

“Whenever there is a change in the program, it puts spanners in the work because the reality is everybody wants to work in a way where things are pre-planned and then we can navigate our way through the program that has been set out,” Mokwena told Sundowns media.

“Unfortunately it is what it is. We have to adapt and work towards allowing ourselves to have enough time while we improve the team.

“We know we have a lot of things we have to improve on. Our performances have to get better. We are not in a level where we are really firing and consistently approaching 90 minutes with very good action.”

Thomas Tuchel admits to having had “trust” concerns when presented with an 18-month contract by Chelsea, but the German quickly made peace with that offering and intends to earn an extended stay at Stamford Bridge.

Roman Abramovich turned to the former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss for inspiration after taking the decision to part with club legend Frank Lampard.

Tuchel has only agreed a deal through to the summer of 2022, with the 47-year-old initially concerned by the short-term vision on show there before accepting that anything can happen in an era of limited patience.

What has been said?

On agreeing to take the reins at Chelsea in late-January, Tuchel told BT Sport of his 18-month agreement: “At first I didn't like it, I thought 'maybe they don't trust me?'

“'I have to leave my country, maybe leave my family behind and they are many points behind fourth spot'.

“Maybe we won't make it which is still possible because it's a tough race and it will be easy to sack me again.

“But after just a matter of minutes I took the weight off my shoulders. I thought 'if I'm good, if they like what I'm doing they will make me stay.'

“'If I'm not good, if I don’t have good results they will sack me anyway.' I can have a five-year contract and they could still sack me so why worry about it?

“Am I convinced about myself? Yes. Am I convinced about this club and team? Yes and yes. So why worry?

“From there on I stepped out of the cycle of thinking and I live a bit easier now. I don't worry as much.”

How has Tuchel fared at Chelsea?

The Blues played out a 0-0 draw with Wolves in their first game with a new coach calling the shots.

They have remained unbeaten since then, taking in a further seven games across all competitions.

Progress has been made to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Sheffield United, while a 1-0 lead has been established in a heavyweight Champions League last-16 showdown with Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are also up to fifth in the Premier League, two points behind London rivals West Ham – who sit directly above them - and 16 adrift of table-topping Manchester City.

A home date with Manchester United is next on the agenda for Tuchel and Co., with a trip to defending champions Liverpool set to follow on March 4.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has made it known that they will fight for the maximum points when they face two-time Caf Champions League winners Wydad Casablanca on Sunday.

Amakhosi will be away to the Moroccan giants in their second Caf Champions League Group C match which is set to be played at Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

The match was initially scheduled to be played in Casablanca, Morocco on February 13, but the Moroccan government refused to grant visas to Chiefs‚ citing coronavirus fears as the reason.

"Yeah, I am looking forward to the trip to Burkina Faso for the game against Wydad Casablanca in the Caf Champions League match," Khune told Chiefs' media department on Thursday. 

"It is a very tough match for us. We are looking forward to bringing the three points back home. We have been preparing very well for this match. 

"We are going to give it our all. So, everyone is ready. All the guys are looking forward to the match. We are going to work together as a team."

The Soweto giants will be banking on Khune's experience with the Bafana Bafana international having played at Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou in October 2016. 

Khune started for South Africa in goal as they drew 1-1 with Burkina Faso in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the same venue.  

"It is going to be a difficult match because it is not our home game, but we are going to fight hard for the three points and make sure we make the Amakhosi family happy and proud," the 33-year-old keeper said.

"Yeah, I have been to Burkina Faso before with Bafana Bafana and we managed to draw the match. So, I will help the guys to acclimatise well and help the guys to understand what to expect in Ouagadougou."

Chiefs started their Group C campaign with a 0-0 draw with Guinean champions Horoya AC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday and Khune is determined to help the Glamour Boys record their first win in the group stage. 

"It is not going to be an easy trip, but we know what is expected of us. We have to go there and fight for the club and fight for the badge and represent the whole nation and make the country proud," he added.

"So, we are looking forward to the challenge and we are ready for it. All we can say is please support us from home and we know what we need to do on the field so that we bring back the three points."

Chiefs will face a Wydad side which is oozing with confidence having defeated Angolan side Petro de Luanda 1-0 away in the first Group C game last weekend.

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic was back in South Africa on Thursday as he appeared at the New Brighton Regional Court in Port Elizabeth.

The 51-year-old tactician, who is currently in charge of the Zambia national team, appeared on charges of sexual assault. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa, the matter has been postponed for a trial to May 25-26 2021 at the New Law Court, Magistrate's Court in Port Elizabeth. 

The Serbian mentor's bail of R10 000 was extended as it has been alleged that a 39-year-old woman in Port Elizabeth in December 2020 during the Cosafa Under-20 Championship. 

The NPA released the following statement on Thursday: 

"Zambian national football team coach, Milutin Sredojevic (51), briefly appeared in the New Brighton Regional Court on charges of sexual assault earlier this morning," a statement read. 

"His matter was postponed for a trial to 25 and 26 May 2021 at the New Law Court. His R10 000 bail was extended."

"It is alleged that on Monday 07 December during the Cosafa Games in Port Elizabeth a 39-year-old woman was delivering coffee at the Wolfson Stadium when she asked Sredojevic if he would need sugar with his coffee."

"He allegedly said no and added that he needed another type of sugar, pointing at her private parts. It is alleged she complained about his conduct and her boss warned Sredojevic not to do it again."

"Later on that day the lady again went to deliver coffee at the same stadium and this time Sredojevic allegedly touched her buttocks."

Sredojevic had two spells as the head coach of Pirates and he guided the Buccaneers to two back-to-back second spot finishes in the PSL in his second stint with the club between 2017 and 2019.

The Prokuplje-born mentor left Bucs prior to the start of the 2019/20 season and he joined Zamalek in August 2019, but he was dismissed by the Egyptian giants in December 2019.

He was appointed Zambia head coach in February 2020.