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Zinedine Zidane has suggested that Eden Hazard could come back into contention ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League last-16 encounter with Atalanta, as the Belgian forward is stepping up his recovery from another untimely injury.

The Belgium international, who has suffered a string of fitness setbacks since joining the Blancos in 2019, has been back on the treatment table with a muscle complaint.

He will play no part in a La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday, but may be ready for a recall before the Blancos return to European action on February 24.

What has been said?

Zidane told reporters when asked for an update on Hazard: “He’s already back on the pitches and doing well.

“We hope he can work with the rest of the team next week.”

When could Hazard be back?

If the 30-year-old makes a return to full training next week, there is then a chance that he could figure against Real Valladolid in another domestic outing for Real.

They are then due to take in the first leg of a meeting with Atalanta, which will take place on Italian soil, on the following Wednesday.

Zidane will be eager to see his squad looking a little healthier than it does at present by the time that fixture rolls around.

The Frenchman has added on injury concerns, with his squad reduced to 12 senior stars at one stage: “It’s not bad luck. We’re worried about this and I’ve spoken about it a lot.

“We don’t like not having our players available. We’re getting Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez back and we want to get the others back soon.”

How many games has Hazard missed for Madrid?

The Belgian’s latest stint on the sidelines has seen him miss seven outings, with an eighth to come on Sunday.

Similar ailments have ruled him out of a further 16 fixtures in the current campaign, while a bout of Covid-19 saw him sit out another.

Such struggles are nothing new for Hazard, with his debut season at Santiago Bernabeu seeing him miss 26 matches with hamstring, foot and ankle problems.

Further reading

Inter coach Antonio Conte has apologised for his part in the touchline quarrel with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli during the midweek Coppa Italia match.

The two sides drew 0-0 in the semi-final second leg in Turin on Tuesday, which sent Juve through to the final on aggregate.

Conte and Inter exchanged insults and gestures at half-time and the coach ended up raising his middle finger at his former boss.

What Conte said

The Italian football federation (FIGC) launched an investigation into the incident and Conte has admitted he was wrong to react the way he did.

He told reporters: "I think it is right to clarify the episode that happened in the Juventus stadium. Everyone has seen and heard the truth, this is important to me.

"We can be footballers, coaches or presidents, but we are educational role models and we need to remember that.

"I'm here to apologise, I reacted to insults in the wrong way. I could have done it in another way, perhaps by raising my thumb instead of my middle finger.

"Insults are not a mitigating factor. However, I should have behaved differently."

Conte spent three years coaching Juventus, guiding them to Serie A titles in each season.

His relationship with Agnelli reportedly broke down following his resignation in 2014.

Inter prepare for Lazio clash

Under Conte's leadership, Inter have become contenders for the Italian crown once again and sit two points behind leaders AC Milan, while Juve linger five behind their fierce rivals.

Inter are looking to keep the pressure on Milan on Sunday evening when they host Lazio, who are on a six-game winning run in the league.

"Lazio not only have quality but also physicality, an important match against a strong team awaits us," Conte said.

"It will be a good test for us, we must prepare ourselves because it will be difficult and stimulating at the same time."

Further reading

The Kenyan government has turned down a request by Gor Mahia to have fans attend their Caf Confederation Cup play-off first leg fixture against Napsa Stars on Sunday.

The Kenyan champions will host the pensioners in their first-ever meeting at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday after they dropped to the lower-tier competition following their dismal run in the Champions League.

Gor Mahia were unable to progress into the group stage after losing 6-1 to CR Belouizdad in the first leg before a 2-1 home defeat in the second round of Champions League qualification.

K’Ogalo through chairman Ambrose Rachier had written to the government to allow them have at least 10, 000 fans to cheer them on during the clash but in response, the government has turned down the request.

In a letter signed by Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, the government has stated it will not be possible to have fans in the stadium owing to the Covid-19 restrictions that are already in place.

“The Ministry of Health is in receipt of your letter dated February 11, 2021, requesting for authority to have 30% [thirty percent] attendance of fans [equivalent to 10, 000 fans] at Nyayo Stadium for a Caf Inter-Club football play-off between your club and Napsa Stars of Zambia on February 14, 2021,” read the letter from Amoth sent to Rachier and obtained by Goal.

“The Ministry of Health recognises it is an important event in your sports calendar and the need for support and push from the fans. The Ministry also recognises your guarantee to ensure that all the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols shall be adhered to.

“However, at a time when the country is still witnessing widespread community transmission of the disease and with the recent global emergence of new highly transmissible SARS-Cov-2 variants, with surge of cases in some countries in the region, such a large gathering of fans could potentially instigate a resurgence of cases and deaths.

“Restriction on gatherings remains a key measure to curtail the transmission of Covid 19.”

The statement continued: “You may also recall that in launching the guidelines for the resumption of sporting activities during the Covid-19 pandemic in the country the presence of spectators in all sporting venues was discouraged.

“In view of the above, your request cannot be supported until further guidelines on the presence of spectators in sporting events has been issued.

“We thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.”

Earlier on, FKF CEO Barry Otieno told Goal fans will not be allowed to attend the match.

“We would have loved to have the fans but it will not be possible,” Otieno told Goal on Saturday. “We will not be able to allow fans because of the obvious reason, Covid-19 restrictions.

“The only persons who will be allowed to enter the venue are journalists and club officials for both Gor Mahia and Napsa Stars, we are not able to accept more fans as that will mean we have broken the government rules.”

Gor Mahia will enter the venue seeking a convincing win that they can take to Zambia for the return leg in a fortnight.

The Ghana Football Association has rescinded its decision permitting fans back attending Premier League matches, amid concerns about the nation’s rising number of positive coronavirus tests.

In March last year, the national government banned spectatorship at matches following the outbreak of the pandemic. The decision was, however, reviewed in January this year with a resolution allowing an intake of up to 25 per cent of stadium capacity.

Owing to concerns about the lack of complete adherence to the directive by clubs and Ghana’s increasing number of coronavirus active cases in recent times, a new decision has been announced.

“The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has decided to restrict fan patronage at all football games for the next four weeks. This directive is with immediate effect, beginning from Saturday, February 13, 2021,” the GFA have said in a publication on its official website.

“This according to the Executive Council, will afford the GFA enough time to put in place remedial measures to make the various stadia safe for fans and consumers of football in our bid to help the government in the fight against the pandemic.

“As a result, the GFA intends to use the four-week period to strategize and re-engage before opening up the various centres to the public.

“Clubs are encouraged to use the period to train stewards who will be directly responsible for fan conduct in our quest to observe the social distancing protocol.

“The public is hereby informed that this directive does not include the continental games involving Asante Kotoko SC.”

Hearts of Oak, Medeama and Karela United have all copped temporary home bans as the GFA Disciplinary Committee investigates a reported violation of Covid-19 protocols.

The GPL, which resumed in November last year after an eight-month coronavirus-forced interval, has reached the matchday 14 stage. Kotoko currently lead the table.

According to the Ghana Health Service official website, the nation currently has 7,754 active cases of coronavirus, with 771 of the cases classified as “new”.

A total of 518 deaths have been recorded in the country so far since the first case was confirmed last year. The number of confirmed cases and recoveries/discharges stand at 75,118 and 66,846, respectively.

Thomas Tuchel has vowed to keep a path to the first team open for academy hopefuls at Chelsea, but warned them to expect a “bumpy” road and loan spells elsewhere in bids to prove their worth.

The Blues have become famed for stockpiling talent, both in their senior squad and throughout a productive youth system.

Recent years have seen more home-grown stars given an opportunity to showcase their talents, with Tuchel saying it is his intention to look in-house for inspiration before splashing out on ready-made international performers.

What has been said?

“Also at my last clubs it was always like this, the door is always open in my office for the coaches and the officials from the academy,” former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel has told Chelsea’s official website.

“I love to watch training and to watch in-house games on the other pitches of the academy, although this is unfortunately not possible at the moment because we are in the bubble and have different zones.

“In my belief this is always the backbone of any club and the more guys you have that can arrive in the first team the better it is for the club, because it is something that the supporters love and these boys normally care absolutely about Chelsea, because they live that spirit over years and years.

“On the other hand they also choose the most difficult way. To make it at Chelsea, to make it at Paris, to make it at Dortmund, is one of the toughest challenges you can have. Sometimes the way is not only straight up, it's sometimes bumpy, sometimes you go on loan, but I like that they accept the challenge to make it here.

“I feel from the boys here that they absolutely want to make it as Chelsea players. Not only Premier League players, but they want to be Chelsea players, and this is the spirit that we want to feel. When we feel the spirit, in combination of course with the talent, we will push them.”

Who is providing inspiration for youngsters at Stamford Bridge?

Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James and Billy Gilmour have all continued to see game time for Chelsea this season.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is another highly-rated academy graduate, while Andreas Christensen left his native Denmark in 2012 to link up with the Blues.

Frank Lampard displayed considerable faith in youth during his reign in west London, with Tuchel now looking to do likewise.

How many players do Chelsea have out on loan?

The Blues have, given the number of players on their books, had to find game time elsewhere for a number of established and developing stars.

In the 2020-21 campaign, the Premier League heavyweights have sanctioned 31 loan moves.

Among those taking in spells away from Stamford Bridge are Danny Drinkwater, Marco van Ginkel, Ross Barkley, Victor Moses, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi.

Promising youngsters such as Fikayo Tomori, Malang Sarr, Conor Gallagher and Ethan Ampadu have also been allowed to spread their wings in switches made across Europe.

Further reading

Liverpool have been hit with yet another injury problem, with James Milner having to be substituted early on in the first-half of the meeting with Leicester City.

The Reds now have 10 first-team players missing due to injury, with the problem suffered by former Manchester City midfielder Milner adding to Jurgen Klopp's selection headache.

It remains to be seen exactly what injury Milner suffered, with the 35-year-old having walked off the pitch after just 17 minutes to be replaced by Thiago Alcantara at the King Power Stadium.

What happened to Milner?

In what appeared to be a muscle injury, Milner wasn't able to continue in the Premier League fixture against the Foxes, walking off the pitch to be replaced by Thiago after 17 minutes.

The 35-year-old, making just his seventh league start of the 2020-21 campaign, was visibly frustrated as he trudged off, having hardly featured this season.

It's unclear exactly what injury the former England international suffered, but Jurgen Klopp will likely provide an update at full-time.

Which other Liverpool players are injured?

There are currently 10 first-team players out injured for the Reds, with many of them being defenders to severely limit Klopp's options.

Indeed, influential centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been out of a while, and although Klopp offered a positive update on the Dutchman back in January, he is not expected to be back any time soon after suffering an ACL injury in October.

Joe Gomez is also out for the long-term and hasn't featured since the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in November, and another central defender, Joel Matip, is unlikely to return before the end of the current season.

Versatile midfielder Fabinho, who has been filling in at centre-back at times this season, was also ruled out of the Leicester clash, with January signing from Preston Ben Davies another who is unavailable.

Naby Keita, meanwhile, is out with a hamstring issue and although he is closing in on a return, he wasn't deemed fit enough to make the matchday squad at the King Power Stadium.

Klopp confirmed on Friday that Diogo Jota is set to be out for another "two or three weeks", with the former Wolves winger having been absent due to a knee injury since December.

The other absentees include Divock Origi, who has been out of action with a thigh problem, and back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

The overall injury situation has left Klopp needing to be creative with his team selections, with Jordan Henderson often called upon to play at centre-back, while youngsters such as Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips have been brought in at times.

Further reading

Zinedine Zidane is the number one candidate to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has said. 

Zidane, who played 108 games for France in his 12-year international career, still has over a year left on his contract at Real Madrid, though pressure is building on him amid his team's inconsistency this season. 

What Le Graet said about Zidane

Deschamps' current deal with Les Bleus will end after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and if he decides to leave next year, it will be his former team-mate who will get the call from Le Graet. 

"We have a very good relationship with Zidane, personally, at least," he said in an interview with RTL.

"If Didier stopped, if I was still there, the first person I would see would be Zidane."

It is not the first time Le Graet has expressed his desire to see Zidane take the World Cup-winning coach's place, as he told Telefoot+ last month: "The day Didier leaves, he will decide to leave or will not be renewed, if Zidane is available, then he will be the man for the job."

Deschamps himself said recently that he would like to see Zidane take charge of the national team, telling BFMTV: "He always had a decisive element to his game and I never had a problem with that. Afterwards, everything he has done... Zizou is Zizou."

Zidane lifted the World Cup with France in 1998 and then played a key role in their Euro 2000 success. His career ended in controversy, whoever, as he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final after headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi. The Azzurri went on to win the trophy in a penalty shootout.

Benzema back for Les Bleus?

Zidane's appointment could open up the possibility of Karim Benzema returning to the national team.

The 33-year-old striker continues to thrive under his compatriot at Real Madrid, but he has been frozen out for France in the wake of his alleged involvement in a plot to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena.

Deschamps reiterated in January that Benzema has no way back into the squad as long as he is in charge. He said he would "never forget" Benzema's racism allegations after he was left out of the squad for Euro 2016.

However, Zidane is eager to see his star forward get another chance after FFF presidential candidate Michel Moulin vowed to bring him back into the fold should he replace Le Graet.

He said: "On the management of Karim Benzema, who is a great striker, Didier Deschamps, he is an employee of the FFF. If above him, he is told to play Benzema, he must make him play."

Further reading

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer is worried about the Gaborone National Stadium's pitch as well as how travelling from Johannesburg will not make it easy for them when they face Jwaneng Galaxy in Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup playoffs.

At stake for both teams is qualifying for the group phase of this competition but Zinnbauer is concerned that his players might struggle adapting to the playing surface.

After identifying what could make life difficult for Pirates in Botswana, the German tactician, however, feels that they are toughened after experiencing similar challenges in the first round away at Angolan side Sagrada Esperanca where they won 1-0.

“Strong team [Galaxy], tall players with very good and a squad with good physique. I think this is not an easy game, we need to be fully concentrated and to work [for the entire game] and we will have a chance to win this game,” said Zinnbauer as per Phakaaathi.

“If we want to go to the next round we need points on our side. It’s important we get a good result outside [away from home]. I know it’s not easy, especially with the travelling, fields that are different to what we have. But we experienced the same thing in Angola, it was not our field, we travelled for a long time. So, it’s the same situation as before. But we had a good result in the away game [against Sagrada].”

It is the second time for the Botswana champions to face South African opponents this season after dropping from the Caf Champions League following defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Brazilians managed to beat Galaxy 2-0 away before a 3-1 home victory sealed a 5-1 aggregate win.

Zinnbauer has stressed on the need to grab an away goal which would cushion them when they host Galaxy in the second leg.

“What is important is to get a good result in the away game first. When we score we will have an away goal which is good for us. Maybe we will play a draw, but it’s important that we win. We will have a good chance at home,” Zinnbauer said.

ATK Mohun Bagan (33 points) are on a three-game winning run and are a point behind leaders Mumbai City in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL.

Although the Mariners have booked their place in the playoffs, head coach Antonio Habas wants his team to remain focused on the upcoming games ahead of their clash against Jamshedpur on Wednesday.

"The team (Bagan) is good and has confidence. Now we have to win our last four matches to increase our possibility to win the league stage. We are focused every day on the next opponent, no more. Now we have to play (against Jamshedpur) as if this is our last (final match). All matches are different and the situation is different in each match. I think the match will be hard," he said.

Habas has taken note of Jamshedpur's push for the play-offs and is wary of the threat posed by strikers David Grande and Nerijus Valskis.

"They (Jamshedpur) have good players in all lines. They have good centre backs, good creative central midfielders and evidently the possibility to play with Grande and Valskis (in the attack). They also have the possibility to qualify (for the playoffs)," Habas mentioned.

The addition of Marcelinho from Odisha has helped in Bagan's attack im the last few games. The Brazilian has scored twice in three matches.

"We always try to play attacking football but it's not just one proposal to play attacking football," the 63-year-old responded. "You have to attack and defend because football is about (these) two things. The team can improve and work to achieve all our objectives."

The ATK Mohun Bagan gaffer revealed that Edu Garcia could return to action in 10 days, which makes his presence a doubt for the Kolkata derby coming up. He also stated that Golden Boot contender Roy Krishna needs to be protected on the pitch and expressed confidence in David Williams to come good soon. 

"For me, Roy is the top (striker) in the ISL. We have to take care of him because it's risky to play (him) for the entire 90 minutes in all the matches. We have to consider the possibility to give him rest," Habas said. "He (Williams) had a few injuries. Now we have the best Williams. I have a lot of confidence in him."

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says he has a "good relationship" with Tottenham counterpart Jose Mourinho, despite the historic rivalry between the pair.

The duo were painted by the media as arch enemies when Guardiola was coach of Barcelona and Mourinho in charge of Real Madrid.

Their rivalry was revived years later when the Catalan boss joined City in 2016, with Mourinho turning up at Manchester United the same summer.

What Guardiola said

But Guardiola says the animosity between the two has calmed down recently and he is happy less attention is being paid to the coaches as the two sides go head-to-head on Saturday.

"Absolutely, I prefer this, I don't like being in the limelight," Guardiola said at a press conference.

"I enjoy doing my job, training sessions, without any press conference. The game speaks for itself but we have to do it. For the business, for advertising, you have to do it.

"I'm a manager not to come out and speak about something bad about the other managers [or] clubs. I'm here to talk football; that's why I'm here and why I became a manager."

He continued: "Maybe you expect it, or like it, but why should we have a rivalry with all the managers we have?

"I'm calm, I prefer not to be involved. I have a good relationship with him, we can agree or disagree but it's not a big problem.

"His business is Tottenham, or before United, mine is City. We have to handle our team and backroom staff and we don't have time [for] other clubs - and could not care less. The only concern is what we have to do [against Tottenham]."

The history of the Pep vs Jose rivalry

The tension between the revered coaches began when Mourinho's Inter eliminated Barca from the Champions League semi-finals in 2010, but it reached its pinnacle in Spain.

Guardiola and Mourinho were in direct competition for the Spanish and European titles and the Portuguese coach was all too happy to stoke the fires in his press conferences.

The Classico giants faced each other four times in the space of two weeks as they contested the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.

The constant media talk sparked an outburst from Guardiola as he addressed the media, declaring: “In this room [Mourinho] is the f*cking boss, the f*cking master”.

When Madrid centre-back Pepe was sent off in the European semi-final, Mourinho suggested Guardiola's teams were favoured by referees, telling reporters: "One day, I would like Josep Guardiola to win this competition properly. If I tell UEFA what I really think and feel, my career would end now.

"Why? Because every semi-final the same things happen. We are talking about an absolutely fantastic football team, so why do they need that? Why? Why does a team as good as they are need something that is so obvious that everyone sees it?

"I don't know if it is the UNICEF sponsorship or if it is because they are nice guys. I don't understand. They have power and we have no chance."

The current state of affairs

Although Guardiola and Mourinho are competing in the same league once again, the battles between them are not as intense as their La Liga days.

City are sitting proud at the top of the Premier League table, five points clear of nearest challengers Manchester United and with a game in hand.

Mourinho's team, however, have dropped to eighth in the English top-flight, 14 points behind the leaders.

City are in fine form heading into Saturday's encounter, having won 15 games in a row and remain unbeaten since November, while Spurs have lost four of their last five matches.

Further reading

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze has revealed the role former Barcelona star Ronaldinho played in his growth.

The 22-year-old is fast becoming famous for his dribbling ability, creating goals and his spectacular strikes.  

The Nigerian midfielder got a big break in his career when he was signed by Premier League side Crystal Palace from Queen Park Rangers where he spent four years.  

Eze has since been outstanding for the Eagles, scoring three breathtaking goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

The midfielder revealed he gets his inspiration from watching video clips of Ronaldinho and how playing ‘cage football’ impacted his playing style.  

“We would come home from school, go on the computer and just type in Ronaldinho,” Eze told Daily Mail.

“He's a player I have watched pretty much every day from maybe the age of seven, eight, with my brothers on the computer watching YouTube videos and whatever he is doing.

“The same videos over and over again on Ronaldinho and how he played. There's probably not a video of him you could show me that I haven't seen before. Even now I type in Ronaldinho and watch him. That's how much impact he's had on me. He was an inspiration.

“Growing up watching Ronaldinho, he is the perfect example of an entertainer. Of course, I don't play the same as him or anything like that but it is just having that idea of ‘I want to enjoy myself.

“And while I'm enjoying myself, I'm positive I will be entertaining people as well while also being as effective as I can as a footballer for my team.

“There are things, in terms of the way you're brought up, the resilience you get from playing in the cage, from experiencing different things that it numbs the feeling of someone else's opinion on you.

“I play football because I have fun doing it and I'm so grateful I have got this as a job. That for me is the most important thing.

“As long as I'm enjoying it, the stats and all that type of stuff will come as well. You do a lot of learning in the academies and get exposed to different types of players. That had a huge impact on me. But you can't take anything away from the cage.

“You see in south London especially the amount of talent that has come out from playing in cages. There's no judgement from any coaches, no scrutiny from anyone. You are just literally enjoying yourself which is what you want to do and as high a level as you can.”

Eze will be expected to make his 22nd Premier League appearance when Crystal Palace take on Burnley on Saturday.

Football Kenya Federation has revealed the first meeting between Gor Mahia and Napsa Stars in the Caf Confederation Cup will be staged behind closed doors.

The Kenyan champions will host the pensioners in their first-ever meeting at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday after they dropped to the lower-tier competition following their dismal run in the Champions League.

Gor Mahia were unable to progress into the group stage after losing 6-1 to CR Belouizdad in the first leg before a 2-1 home defeat in the second round of Champions League qualification.

FKF CEO Barry Otieno has confirmed to Goal that fans will not be allowed to attend the match owing to strict measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We would have loved to have the fans but it will not be possible,” Otieno told Goal on Saturday. “We will not be able to allow fans because of the obvious reason, Covid-19 restrictions.

“The only persons who will be allowed to enter the venue are journalists and club officials for both Gor Mahia and Napsa Stars, we are not able to accept more fans as that will mean we have broken the government rules.”

Gor Mahia will enter the venue seeking a convincing win that they can take to Zambia for the return leg in a fortnight.

However, they will have to do the job minus youthful striker Benson Omalla, who will not be able to play in the fixture as he is studying for the upcoming national examination.

Gor Mahia team manager confirmed to Goal Omalla’s situation by stating: “The only player missing in training is striker Benson [Omalla], who is attending classes because of the upcoming exams but all the players are training and we are happy and have prepared well for the game.”

In an earlier interview, Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto explained his main target is to take the team to the group stage of the competition.

“We have one goal in this competition and our main goal is get to the group stage, we will work on this and of course I believe we can do that because the players have given good signs in training sessions and like I said before we continue to work and get to the group stage and after that, we will see.

“We want to win the league, we want to win titles and like I said before our main target is to reach the group stage, it is very important we do that, these are the three big goals we have for this season.”

Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides Mathare United and Bandari are in a secret tussle to win coach Anthony Kimani.

Both sides want the former AFC Leopards man to fill the position of assistant coach. Kimani left Ingwe after leading them to a 0-0 draw against Gor Mahia in the first Mashemeji derby of the 2020/21 season.

Mathare United want Kimani to return in order to deputise for Salim Ali - who had been linked with a move to Gor Mahia.

On the other hand, Casa Mbungo, now in charge of Bandari, had worked with the former Harambee Star at AFC Leopards. Kimani was appointed on an interim basis when Mbungo left in 2019 due to financial difficulties at the club.

"Mathare never forgets one of their own," a source close to the 2008 Premier League champions told Goal. "The club knows how good he can be, having been with them especially during their league winning season."

Then a source at Bandari revealed the following to Goal.

"Mbungo trusts him and the relationship they nurtured while at AFC Leopards which has made Mbungo fancy another chance to work with Kimani," the source stated.

When he left Ingwe after leading them to a rare point against their Mashemeji derby rivals, he went on to write an emotional letter expressing his faith in the club re-establishing themselves as one of the successful outfits in the country.

“To the players, led by captain Robinson Kamura, I would like to thank you for the respect, belief, and trust that you have shown me throughout my time at the club. I would like to urge you to extend the same to the new coach," part of Kimani's letter read then.

“You all have what it takes to help the club reclaim its rightful place in Kenyan football and Africa at large. To members of the technical bench, thank you very much for the cooperation and the cordial working relationship that we shared.

“I leave with great memories and lessons that I learnt from each and every one of you and most importantly knowing that I have made lifetime friends.”

AFC Leopards had already appointed Patrick Aussems as the new coach after Kimani had served for the second time as an interim coach.

His second temporary tenure was necessitated by the exit of Tomas Trucha who left just after overseeing a game in the league against Tusker citing threats to his life.

Azam FC have vowed to win all their remaining matches in the Mainland Premier League after they stumbled to defeat away to Coastal Union at Mkwakwani, Tanga on Thursday.

Haji Ugando and Hamad Majimengi scored for the home team while Daniel Amoah notched the lone goal for the Ice-cream Makers but it was not enough as they suffered their fourth defeat of the season (in a 2-1 result).

Azam were among the leading teams chasing the title when the 2019-20 season kicked off as they enjoyed the lead at the top of the 18-team table for the better part of the first round but after losing to Mtibwa Sugar, they went seven consecutive matches without posting a win.

The team’s poor run saw Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba shown the exit door and they went for the services of Zambian George Lwandamina, though he is yet to steady the ship.

After their defeat to Coastal Union, Azam Media Officer Thabit Zakaria has assured their fans they are aware they are longing for victory and stated they will bounce back to winning ways with their target now to win all the remaining matches in the top-flight.

“We are strong and failing to get results in our matches does not mean that we are not strong. We will do well and get back the quality and start winning matches,” Zakaria said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“What happens on the field is the result but there is nothing wrong on the field, the players have morale and love to do their job. (This) is a matter of time.

“Our belief is that we will get back to our best while you are still there and the plans are going well, the fans should support us.”

Against Coastal Union Azam suffered another blow after their striker Obrey Chirwa was substituted for picking an injury, with new Mpiana Monzinzi taking his place.

The defeat left Azam in third place with 33 points from 19 matches while Yanga SC are sitting at the top with 44 points from 18 matches and reigning champions Simba SC are second on 39 points from 17 matches.

Al Hilal coach Zoran Manojlovic has expressed concern about Mamelodi Sundowns’ 19-match Caf Champions League unbeaten record but says it is always bound to be broken and is hoping that his side will finally halt that run in Saturday’s Group B match at Loftus Versfeld.

The Sudanese giants are in Pretoria where they will be facing Downs who last lost at home in the Champions League in 2018.

That worries the Manojlovic who however believes that the Brazilians could be tamed in their own backyard.

“When we came here and after travelling, we had a few days to prepare for this big game. We will play one of the big teams in Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns who are very strong and stronger at home. We prepared for this big game, very hard game to do our best,” Manojlovic told the media.

“Yes [I’m worried to meet a team that is strong at home]. I said it that Mamelodi Sundowns are very strong at home, 19 games without defeat. But someday they must lose for the first time and I hope it will be tomorrow [Saturday].”

Manojlovic is not new to coming up against Sundowns and is aware of the task at hand.

The Serb-Portuguese was in charge of Wydad Casablanca during Sundowns’ last visit to Morocco where the two sides drew 0-0 in December 2019.

“I faced Mamelodi Sundowns in the group phase when I was with Wydad and we drew in Casablanca, Morocco 0-0,” said Manojlovic.

“It was a very hard game, very tactical game with small opportunities to score for both teams. I remember very good Mamelodi Sundowns players who impressed me too much. Also, Sundowns are different when they play at home and play away. At home they are too strong but we are prepared for them and we will see what will happen in this game.”

The Al Hilal coach also identified Brazilian defender and vice-captain Ricardo Nascimento as the Downs player he is most aware of.

“Ricardo Nascimento played in Portugal for Moreirense [in the second-tier] and then in the top division [for Academica Coimbra]. I remember he is a very good player, very experienced player, he is a Brazilian player. We must take care of this player,” Manojlovic said.

Meanwhile, Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena says they have all the information they need on Al Hilal.

The Sudanese giants eliminated Ugandan champions Vipers as well as Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko to reach the Champions League group stage.

They are also yet to lose a match in the Sudani Premier League this season where they are second on the standings with just a point below Al Merreikh.

“They are not a closed book as we have watched their games, we watched the games against Asante Kotoko in the qualifiers,” Mokwena said.

“Their league is ongoing and they are unbeaten, they are a free-scoring side and they are one point behind the team that is number one with a game in hand. They play a 4-2-3-1 formation. They have two centre-backs who are comfortable on the ball and can start at the back.

“They are also good with set-pieces and they use Faris Abdalla who has quality delivery. Mohamed Ouattara is a very important player in terms of their first phase of build-up and can play the long ball behind the defence. We are prepared for the game on Saturday.”