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Manchester City are in the middle of a brilliant run of form in the Premier League. Their recent thumping 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion has helped them leapfrog rivals Manchester United on the Premier League table as they currently sit at the top of the charts with 41 points from 19 matches at the halfway stage of the season.  

The Sky Blues are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League and have won eight straight matches, 11 in all competitions which is quite a resounding record for Pep Guardiola’s side. 

With Manchester City currently on a rampage on the pitch, their fans in India and Nigeria have a unique opportunity to be part of a very promising season for the club. 

In association with TECNO, Manchester City is offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become Goal’s local trainee Man City correspondent for the business end of the 2020-21 season, from March to May. 

Over 13 weeks, two lucky winners, one from India and Nigeria each, will get an opportunity to work to cover the English giants. The winner gets a paid contract with the world’s biggest football website! 

To enter the contest, you have to create a single 60-second video on the Manchester City vs Liverpool match on February 6. Using your mobile phone, capture your preview and review of the game that demonstrates your personality and lets us know why we should select you. Go to this link to submit your entry: https://www.mancity.com/tecno-goal 

The winners will also receive a brand new TECNO mobile phone and a Manchester City merchandise pack. They will be mentored by Goal’s dedicated Man City correspondent Jonathan Smith and additional training will be done by Goal’s local editorial teams in India and Nigeria.  

TECNO Mobiles, a premium mobile phone brand, has been associated with Manchester City as their Official Global Tablet and Handset Partner since 2016. 

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries across the globe with its innovation, technological and artistic progression as well as a diversified product portfolio featuring smartphones and smart AIoT products. 

TECNO consistently aims to inspire it’s consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO’s intimate understanding of its consumers is what inspires them to constantly innovate and provide localized innovations for their users who are “young at heart” and never stop pursuing excellence. 

As speculation continues to build regarding a move to Paris Saint-Germain for Lionel Messi, Omar da Fonseca says the Barcelona superstar will “set himself that challenge” of embracing a fresh start in France.

A six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to give little away when it comes to his future plans.

One push for the exits at Camp Nou was blocked off in the summer of 2020, with the 33-year-old forward eventually agreeing to honour the final 12 months of his contract.

No fresh terms have been signed in Catalunya, though, meaning that Messi continues to head towards the free agent pool.

Few sides in world football could offer the financial and sporting package required to lure a fiercely ambitious performer away from the only club side that he has represented across a remarkable career to date.

PSG are, however, part of that elite group, with the Ligue 1 giants battling with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City for the right to head a queue that could deliver the most sought-after of signatures.

Da Fonseca can see Messi heading to the French capital, with the opportunity to chase down another Champions League crown alongside the familiar face of Neymar holding obvious appal to the South American.

Quizzed by AfterFoot on whether Messi could join PSG, a man who spent time at Parc des Princes in his playing days said of a fellow countryman: “Yes. If we look at the Spanish press, they say that his whole family began to learn French.

“He will come, he will set himself that challenge. Imagine saying that with PSG he won the Champions League.

“If someone had told me as a child that he was going to play in Paris, my ears would have cried!

“For us [Argentines], France, Paris, they have something.”

Messi has vowed to make no decision on his next move until the end of the 2020-21 campaign, with it still possible that he could agree to an extension at Barca.

For now, he is trying to help Ronald Koeman’s side chase down major honours, with a goalscoring return to action made following a two-match ban in a Copa del Rey win over Rayo Vallecano.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has offered an update on Wilfred Ndidi, downplaying the weightiness of his injury against Everton.

The Nigerian midfielder was handed his 11th Premier League appearance of the season, albeit, he played for only 42 minutes before suffering a hamstring setback.

He was subsequently replaced in the 42nd minute by former France youth international of Senegalese descent Nampalys Mendy, to avoid infuriating the problem.

In his absence, the Foxes picked up a point at Goodison Park after Youri Tielemans cancelled out James Rodriguez’s first-half strike in the 67th minute.

Rodgers has, however, allayed fears that Ndidi would be on the sidelines for so long as the 24-year-old is only ‘tightened up’.

“Wilf was tight, it was the back of his hamstring, so we’ll see how that goes in the next couple of days," the Northern Irish manager said after the game per Leicester City website.

“It’s just tightened up. He doesn’t think he’s overstretched or tore it. We’ll just have to assess that. We couldn’t risk it.”

Even at this positive news, it is uncertain whether the Super Eagle would be available for Sunday’s league showdown versus Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United at the King Power Stadium.

Thanks to the point picked against Carlo Ancelotti’s men, the 2015–16 English kings extended their unbeaten run to nine across all competitions.

Also, they sit in third place in the English topflight log having accrued 39 points from 20 outings – two points below leaders Manchester City.

Since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, the former Genk man has been battling with several degrees of injuries which reduced his playing time to 15 games so far.

Ndidi recently returned from a groin injury – a setback suffered in September 2020 – and as a result was out of action for over three months. Since moving to England from the Belgian elite division, the midfielder has grown into an essential part of the team.

Having impressed in his maiden season, he was named the club’s best young talent in 2016-17. He retained the prize the next season, beating Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray.

On the international scene, he remains a key member of Gernot Rohr’s squad since his debut in 2015.

East Bengal will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Mumbai City when they take on FC Goa in the  2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Friday.

Goa are expected to be without key players in their backline with Ivan Gonzalez suspended and James Donachie doubtful due to injury. The Kolkata-based club's assistant coach Tony Grant has perceived the situation as a good opportunity to get points against the Gaurs. 

"It's certainly an opportunity. We ourselves lost our captain (Daniel Fox) earlier in the season and it doesn't help. Of course, every team is always going to hurt when you lose two of your better players. So it's going to increase our opportunities," he stated.

The former Bristol City midfielder went on to praise the standard of the competition from what he has witnessed over the past seasons.

"I think the competition is improving every year. From what I've seen last year, I think the standards are improving this year. The younger boys playing for all the teams have a higher standard from the years gone by. So the competition is hotting up. 

"Lots of teams are picking up three points. So it gives everyone else an opportunity, not just us. If anyone draws it gives everyone else an opportunity to climb the ladder."

Grant also seemed to take a dig at the level of refereeing and said that East Bengal chances to get into the play-offs would rely on much more than just their performance.

"We go all out to win for every game. This season, we've had three games with 10 men. We get to know the players. So the first 10 games were almost trial games because we don't know the players. Sometimes, a penalty can be the deciding factor of whether you win or draw (or lose), or maybe (it could be) a bad decision. So it's such a fine line," he remarked.

The team has looked better since the addition of Bright Enobakhare in the January transfer window. Quizzed over the best role for the Nigerian forward who hasn't found the back of the net in the last four games, the East Bengal assistant coach insisted that the club knows how he can be used against their opponents. 

"We will use our experience and figure out where to play Bright. He has been fouled more times when he touches the ball. He needs some protection. When he scored that goal against Goa, he played behind the striker that day. Every game is different. Some players have a great game when you play them upfront, some players when you drop them (deeper)," the Englishman mentioned.

Manchester United have called for social media companies to enforce stricter regulations after “anonymous mindless idiots” racially abused Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial following the Red Devils' 2-1 loss to Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Kean Bryan opened the scoring at Old Trafford after some questionable goalkeeping from David de Gea, while former Blades defender Harry Maguire responded as he scored his first goal at the Theatre of Dreams to restore parity.

Chris Wilder's decision to bring on Oliver Burke in the second half paid off, however, with the striker having found a late winner via a deflection off Tuanzebe.

Both Martial and the centre-back were subjected to racist language and symbols in the wake of the defeat, with United having released a statement condemning the discrimination whilst calling for social apps to better police their platforms.

"Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game," a statement read. "We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.

"Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative. Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic.

"We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."

Former United captain Rio Ferdinand also weighed in on the subject, calling for the perpetrators to be outed in public and answer for their hate speech.

"This is a disgrace," the ex-Red Devils centre-back wrote. "These ignorant idiots need to be exposed so everyone can see them for what they are!"

The likes of Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Brandon Williams also posted on social media to back the fight against racism in football and support their team-mates.

Anti-racism group Kick It Out also condemned the abuse, with chair Sanjay Bhandari releasing the following statement via Sky Sports: "We are disappointed that players are continuing to be subject to racist abuse on their social platforms, it is completely unacceptable.

"We will continue to work with the football authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to try and rid football of hateful and discriminatory behaviour.

"As we have said before, online hate must have real-life consequences, so people don't continue to spread hate as freely as they wish. The individuals responsible for this abuse will hopefully be identified by the social media platforms and swiftly removed.

"We know that discriminatory abuse can have a significant real-world impact on the welfare of the victims. We encourage the players to get such support from their club in the first instance, and support is also available from the PFA and Kick It Out."

Any pressure on Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool would be “super harsh”, says Glen Johnson, but the former Reds defender admits tough questions will be asked if the reigning Premier League champions were to miss out on a top-four finish.

Those at Anfield are running the risk of suffering a humbling fall from grace in 2020-21, with a five-match winless run in the English top-flight leaving them down in fifth.

With Klopp tied to a contract through to 2024, and given all that he has already achieved on Merseyside, a parting of ways would come as a major surprise.

Johnson, though, can see “a serious chat” taking place, with the ex-Reds full-back telling CheltenhamGuides.com: “I don’t think Liverpool will have enough to win the league this year, but I expect them to get the top four - but it will be tough. There are six clubs fighting for the top four again.

“It will be super harsh for Klopp to be under any pressure given the success that he’s had, but we know that owners, once they get success, they want to keep repeating it so I think there would be a discussion to have if he did finish outside the top four.

“I think it would be extremely harsh in terms of where he’s brought the club in the last few years. I don’t think he would be sacked. I think they would have a serious chat about it.”

Part of the problem for Liverpool this season has been that untimely injuries have been suffered on a regular basis, with no efforts being made to bolster the ranks during the winter transfer window.

Johnson is surprised at the lack of movement, saying: “It’s impossible to gauge how many injuries you get in a season, how bad they are and how long each person might take to recover.

“I think they were naive in not getting someone in on loan because the kids - who will hopefully go on to be some fantastic players - are being asked to fill the shoes of [Virgil] van Dijk and that’s not easy for anybody.

“It’s not as simple as buying a 50, 60, 70 million pound defender that is going to compete. The only options they had was to work with the youngsters or get somebody else in on loan and they opted to go with the youngsters and some have been great and some don’t look like they're ready.”

With defensive additions being passed up for now, Johnson believes that Klopp could turn his attention to attacking reinforcements over the summer, with more competition being sought for Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

The former England international added: “Liverpool have been relying on the front three for a long time and you can’t have a five-year period of doing that.

“Liverpool’s recruitment has been fantastic so they’ll definitely be looking at options. They brought in [Diogo] Jota, who has been fantastic, but, again, he’s been unlucky with injuries. The good thing with Liverpool is that they’ll sign someone if the deal is right, they won’t just go and buy a big name for the sake of it.

“The way they’ve done their recruitment is that they’ve found something in players that nobody else has seen and a world-class player now is going to cost £100+ million ($137m) and Liverpool don’t do business that way.

“Jota is a stroke of genius for £40m ($55m), he’s someone that can score goals in the Premier League. I like the way they do business by not going into the big auction rooms with the other big-hitters and they seem to find some gems out there.”

Zoo FC coach Herman Iswekha believes his charges got nervous by the fact they were playing Gor Mahia in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League game on Wednesday at Kasarani Stadium.

The reigning champions claimed a 3-0 win to extended Zoo's winless run to five games. Prior to the game, the tactician had exuded confidence his charges would get a positive outcome. 

However, they ended up returning to Kericho with nothing at all, apart from their third defeat in the five games they have played this season.

"As I have said on several occasions, many of my players do not have top-tier experience," Iswekha told Goal on Thursday.

"So when they saw Gor Mahia, they became nervous, because of naivety, and did not play as we had planned. It led to a slow start and we were eventually punished. We did nothing in the first half and our opponents capitalised on it.

"After the break, we improved our game but did not manage to get back into the match."

The tactician has further revealed his plans in the short transfer window as he aims at strengthening the team.

"Definitely I will bring on board three players to improve the team and ensure we perform well," Iswekha added.

"I will have to find an experienced defender to partner Pascal Ogweno because we are having a problem there. We will also sign a left-back and a forward to help Collins Neto.

"If we got those players I am confident we will perform better in the remaining campaign." 

Meanwhile, K'Ogalo tactician Carlos Vaz Pinto was left impressed with the way his team played against their visitors.

Winger Samuel Onyango scored the opener before Kenneth Muguna added the second to hand the reigning champions victory and a clean sheet. A clinical strike in the additional minutes from Sydney Ochieng sealed the victory for the record league champions.  

"In addition to winning, [on Wednesday], we achieved a goal that we had – not to concede goals," the Portuguese said.

"The opponents did not reach our goal many times and this is collective defensive work which we have trained a lot and it was reflected – the first time since I arrived here. 
"Once again we will try to recover well and think about our next game."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that the club is doing everything within its power to have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang available to face Manchester United.

Aubameyang has been missing from the Gunners' last two matchday squads and confirmed on Wednesday that his mum was in ill health, thanking fans and team-mates for their support during a trying time for his family.

The Gabon international will have to produce a negative Covid-19 test before he can return to action, having left the Arsenal bubble, while Arteta is also wary of rushing his skipper back into the fold if he is not in the right mental state to lead the squad.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, Arteta said: “I spoke with him yesterday. Things are looking better at the moment, but we are going to have to wait and see. He is our captain and one of the most important players. 

“We are doing everything we can to have him [back] as a quick as possible - but understanding that he has been through difficult days, that he had to support his family and we were here to support him as well with the time that he needed to get that support.”

It is unclear as to whether Aubameyang had travelled abroad to visit his mother, with cross-country travel potentially throwing up more coronavirus-related guidelines that must be adhered to before the striker can be cleared to play.

Pressed on the subject of potentially having to his captain self-quarantine, Arteta said: “I don't know if that will happen. He had to support his family and he had to be with them.”

Regarding the fitness of the rest of the squad, Arteta provided updates on a variety of injuries, with fans understandably keen to hear the extent of knocks picked up by in-form pair Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe in particular.

“Let's see how they do today,” the Spaniard said of the midfield duo. “They have some discomfort in different parts, Thomas and Emile. We will have to see how they evolve. We still have some days until the game, but not long, so let's see how they recover.

“We had a day off yesterday. We will be training today and we'll see how everybody is. I think Dani Ceballos will be training with the squad in the next new days - probably Pablo Mari as well.

“Obviously Martin Odegaard will be joining us as well. As for the rest, we have to see how Kieran [Tierney] is.”

Dean Henderson remains “the future” of Manchester United, says Tomasz Kuszczak, with the 23-year-old being urged to remain patient as he fills back-up duties behind David de Gea at Old Trafford.

Having taken in two productive loan spells at Sheffield United, an ambitious goalkeeper was absorbed back into the fold at his parent club during the summer of 2020.

Henderson had made no secret of his desire to become the Red Devils’ No.1, with a regular starting berth in the England set-up also being chased down.

There are, however, sizeable obstacles blocking his path with club and country.

De Gea has remained a go-top option between the sticks for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, meaning that Henderson has seen just 10 appearances across all competitions – and only 224 minutes of Premier League action.

Kuszczak, who once faced similar battles himself in Manchester, can appreciate why a talented performer may be feeling frustrated.

The Pole does see a bright future for Henderson, though, telling Stadium Astro: “He is a very young goalkeeper but it is no accident that he is there. He will get chances. Ole trusts him.

“He needs to find a way to the first team. He needs experience. He had a good time at Sheffield United and played very well, but Manchester United is a different team – you play internationally and have a lot of pressure.

“Being a goalkeeper is a difficult position. In the past you had very big names. Dean is the future of the football club. He will get chances. When the time is right, the manager will give him that chance.”

Kuszczak, who spent six years with United between 2006 and 2012, added: “I was 24 when I got there and had a fantastic goalkeeper in front of me in Edwin van der Sar.

“Edwin played the first season and I was pushing him. I was thinking it was my time but he performed for another six years at an unbelievable level and helped the team.

“I accepted my position, I hope Dean will get his chance. But at the moment David is number one.

“He has had a few dips but over the last few weeks he has been very good. Dean has to wait for his chance. A goalkeeper can play until 40 so he has time to play for United.”

De Gea started again for the Red Devils in their latest Premier League outing, with Solskjaer’s title-chasing outfit suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to rock-bottom Sheffield United.

Michael Olunga’s Al-Duhail SC have been pooled in Group C of the AFC Champions League after a draw that was conducted on Thursday in Malaysia.

After announcing himself with a hat-trick against Al Ahli in the Emir Cup Round of 16 on Monday, Olunga is now set to face new challenges in a continental competition that will begin in April. Other teams in Group C are Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahly, Esteghlal of Iran, and Al Shorta of Iraq.

With an increase of 40 teams, the group stage of the competition will see 40 sides battle each other in the East and West Zones.

The Champions League’s preliminary encounters will begin on April 7 and a week later, the group stage matches will start to be played in centralised venues.

Al-Duhail will also be involved in the Fifa Club World where they were handed African champions Al Ahly in the quarter-finals. If they progress, Qatar’s side will come up against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Olunga is set to play in the AFC Champions League for the first time as well as in the Fifa Club World Cup.

The Kenyan star was signed by Al-Duhail after a stellar season in Japan where he emerged as the Most Valuable Player and J1 League’s top scorer in 2020.

AFC Champions League Group Stage draw in full:

Group A: Al Hilal SFC (KSA), Shabab Al Ahli (UAE), FC Istiklol (TJK), QAT-UZB P/O winner

Group B: Sharjah (UAE), Tractor FC (IRN), Pakhtakor (UZB), KSA-IRQ P/O winner

Group C: Al Duhail SC (QAT), Al Ahli Saudi (KSA), Esteghlal (IRN), Al Shorta (IRQ)

Group D: Al Sadd SC (QAT), Al Nassr (KSA), Al Wehdat (JOR), IRN-UAE P/O winner

Group E: Persepolis FC (IRN), Al Rayyan (QAT), FC Goa (IND), UAE-IRQ P/O winner

Group F: Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR), BG Pathum United (THA), Viettel FC (VIE), AUS-PHI-CHN P/O winner

Group G: Jiangsu FC (CHN), Nagoya Grampus (JPN), Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS), KOR-THA P/O winner.

Group H: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR), Gamba Osaka (JPN), Tampines Rovers (SIN), Sydney FC (AUS)

Group I: Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Guangzhou FC CHN), United City FC (PHI), KOR-THA P/O winner

Group J: Shandong Luneng FC (CHN), Port FC (THA), Kitchee SC (HKG), JPN-AUS-MYA P/O Winner

Rob Holding is an Arsenal “captain in the making”, says Tony Adams, with Kieran Tierney another at Emirates Stadium that could take the armband once Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang relinquishes the role.

The Gunners have been operating without their skipper of late, with personal issues keeping a Gabonese frontman out of FA Cup and Premier League clashes with Southampton.

Mikel Arteta is considered to have plenty of other leaders in his squad, with two British stars very much at the centre of those plans.

For Adams, Holding could be the man to take the armband long-term, with the 25-year-old defender overcoming injury issues to nail down a regular role in what is shaping up to be his most productive season for Arsenal to date.

“Rob Holding is a captain in the making for me,” Gunners great Adams, who led the club for several years during his own distinguished career, told Stadium Astro.

“I would like him to get on with it. He has had injuries. I had won four trophies by the time I was 25. I’m not saying it’s my standards, but he has the right attitude and so has Tierney.

“I’m loving [Thomas] Partey. It’s all fingers crossed. He came in against United and was outstanding – it was the first time in a long time that I have been excited by a presence. We have always needed that and you go back to Gilberto and Manu Petit, these invisible screens.

“I like Gabriel as well, physically he’s got everything going for him.

“There are a few signs, not enough, but a few signs of growth. What Arsenal need to do, fundamentally, is build and start again. Work with the academy, step by step, lay the foundations.”

Arsenal have been showing greater faith in youth this season, with a number of academy graduates coming to the fore.

Bukayo Saka has seen his development rewarded with a new long-term contract, while Emile Smith Rowe has taken on No.10 duties in the wake of Mesut Ozil being frozen out and ultimately pushed out of north London.

Experience is also being embraced, though, with the likes of Holding, Tierney and Partey having important roles to play in the months and years to come.

Circumstances dictated that Terengganu FC (TFC) would benefit from the truncated 2020 Malaysia football season following the cancellation of both the cup competition, the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. A spot in the 2021 AFC Cup was initially reserved for the winner of the FA Cup, later transferred over to the Malaysia Cup after the former competition was first canceled before the resumption of competitions in 2020.

However rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country coupled with enforced stricter controls late in 2020 meant that the Malaysia Cup was also scrapped after the opening round and the AFC Cup spot went to the team who finished third in the Super League, which turned out to be TFC.

It has been a long wait for TFC to return to among the second biggest cup competition in Asia, having last featured in the 2012 season. When the draw was done by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday, they were drawn in Group I together with Geylang International (Singapore), Kaya FC (Philippines) and one of Ayeyawady United (Myanmar) or Shan United (Myanmar).

With Hanoi FC (Vietnam) and Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore) drawn to the other two ASEAN group, TFC are quietly optimistic of their chances of progressing to the next phase of the competition with Nafuzi Zain looking to make a big splash in his maiden continental outing as a head coach.

"Every team in the AFC Cup have good qualities and are the better teams from their respective countries. Based on the draw, we have to make sure that we do the right preparations to understand each opponent's style and tactics. But that is no different from how we prepare for every match. We want to approach the competition in a positive manner," said Nafuzi in a statement.

The situation in the continent also meant that AFC had to revise the competition format to a centralised location with only three matches played by each team in the group as opposed to the usual home and away format with each team competing through a series of six matches.

If Nafuzi can get his team to gel and perform at their level best during the May 14 to June 28 period, they can realistically aim to be among the four teams in the Zonal Semi-final that will include the three ASEAN group winners and the best runner-up from the three groups.

Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho says that he is “not a friend” of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of his side's clash with the Reds on Thursday night, but admits he has great respect for the German.

Two of world football's most decorated and highly-rated managers go head-to-head in a match that would see the victor move into the top four ahead of West Ham, with Spurs boasting an additional game in hand over their fellow European hopefuls.

Mourinho called out Klopp following the two teams' clash in December, claiming that if he had acted in a similar fashion to the German on the sideline he would be sent off.

The Portuguese then doubled down on his comments ahead of Thursday's clash, stating his belief that other top-tier managers are not treated in the same way as him.

“What I can say is when I didn’t behave well I paid the price,” he said. “And I paid the price in two ways: one was to see matches on TV in the dressing room and another price was big-money fines and I feel that, for some of the other guys, it doesn’t happen the same. 

“It doesn’t happen the same with them.”

Following those comments, Mourinho went on to admit his respect for his Premier League and Champions League-winning counterpart, although he added that the pair do not share a friendship due to the brief nature of their meetings to date.

“I'm not a friend of Jurgen because I never had time with Jurgen,” 58-year-old Mourinho told the press. “When you know the person well you can say, 'I like him, he's my friend' or 'I don't like him, he's not my friend'. 

“With Jurgen it's five minutes before a match and five minutes after a match. What I can say about Jurgen is that he's a colleague that I respect, that I don't have any problem with.

“And I believe that he is the same way with me. No problems at all.”

Spurs and Liverpool are separated by a solitary point in England's top flight, with there only eight points between first-placed Manchester City and sixth-placed Tottenham.

Yanga SC Media Liaison officer Hassan Bumbuli has been banned from engaging in football activities for three years.

The official, according to Tanzania Football Federation Disciplinary Committee, has been banned for failing to obey its orders of paying TSh5 million that was issued on September 28.

“Yanga SC’s media liaison officer Hassan Bumbuli has been banned from engaging in football matters either in the country or outside the country for the next three years,” the committee’s statement, obtained by Goal read.

“The judgment has been made based on Article 78(8)(a) of the 2013 regulations. The defendant (Hassan Bumbuli), was accused of failing to obey an initial order that had been issued by the disciplinary committee.

“On September 28, 2020, the committee ordered Bumbuli to pay TSh5 million and further ordered him not to commit another disciplinary issue within a period of two years. He never obeyed the order and did not appeal against the judgement.”

After the Yanga official was banned, Simba SC’s spokesperson Haji Manara has forgiven him after clashing on numerous occasions.

“I would have wanted to see you continue and be with me around so that we can continue to promote our football but unfortunately, that is not going to be the case,” Manara wrote on Facebook. 

“We have never been friends but we are all doing the same kind of job but we have different abilities and we differ even on experience.

“I know you have abused me publicly, accused me of being not a professional man, but my faith urges me to forgive and I have forgiven you, brother.”

Manara urged Bumbuli to seek redress against the judgement.

“I can only tell you to go back to the committee and seek an appeal, pay the fine and I am ready to help you settle the fine.”

Alongside Bumbuli, Lipuli FC’s Secretary-General Julius Leo has also been banned and fined.

“The accused [Julius Leo] was at fault in two ways; firstly, he gave misleading information on the amount Lipuli FC owe TFF after emerging as the runners up in the Azam Federation Cup [in 2018/19],” the committee stated.

“Secondly, he was found guilty of failing to accord official communication documents the secrecy it deserves. His action saw an official letter from TFF leaked and later spread online.”

As Bumbuli and Leo faced the wrath of the committee, Lipuli’s interim chairman Ayoub Kihwelo and the deputy chairman of Kibafa Football Association (KIBAHA) Robert Munis were acquitted of allegations against them.

Harry Kane has been warned “the grass isn’t always greener” when it comes to transfer plans, with Peter Crouch telling the Tottenham striker to shun any interest from Real Madrid and earn himself a statue in north London.

Speculation regarding a big-money move continues to rage around one of the most prolific strikers in world football.

Kane, who is now 27 years of age, has been a model of consistency over several seasons, allowing him to pass the 150-goal mark in the Premier League and earn the captain’s armband with England.

Plaudits have rained down on the talented frontman, but he has no collective honours to show for his individual efforts.

It has been suggested that personal ambition will lead Kane to go in search of trophies elsewhere, but Crouch believes ultimate targets can be hit in his current surroundings as legend status is cemented.

The former Spurs forward has told the Daily Star: “Sometimes the grass isn't always greener.

“I think if you win something at Tottenham, it is going to mean 10 times more than going to Real Madrid and winning something.

“He's a top player and he deserves the best so nobody can begrudge him anything if he wants to move.

“But I just feel like if he thinks there's a chance of winning something at Tottenham I think it would mean far more to him than if he went somewhere and perhaps won a league title in a different country.

“Whereas at Tottenham, if he finishes there or he manages to win something there, they'll have a statue built for him, wouldn't they?”

Crouch has watched on from afar as a player he once saw coming through the academy ranks at Tottenham has earned a standing among the global elite, with Kane taking his game to new heights this season as 14 assists have been contributed alongside 19 goals.

“It has been magnificent to see him evolve,” added Crouch.

“I was at Spurs when he was coming through as a kid and he trained with us. I wouldn't say he burst on the scene and we all went 'wow' but he always used to score in every game in training. There was definitely something about him.

“The way he has worked on his game and improved it, he's like a manager's dream. Any sort of young player should look up to someone like him.

“He is so two-footed, you can see he has worked on that, good in the air, and then he has adapted his game again this year where you feel he is dropping into those little holes and it is almost Teddy Sheringham like.

“Then there's rapid passes into [Heung-min] Son, spraying 60-yard cross-field passes, but he's still getting the goals he always has done.

“The way he has evolved, he is one of the best strikers in Europe, without a doubt.”

Leopards scored the first through Ovidy Karuru a minute into the second half. Sundowns levelled on 64 minutes through Peter Shalulile before their numbers were cut to 10 men two minutes later when Mvala was sent off for a cynical foul on Lidoda Duvha striker Rodney Ramagalela.

Despite playing with a man short Downs were able to go on and secure victory when Shalulile completed his brace in added time.

Mngqithi says he had no problem with Mvala’s actions.

“The man had to do what he had to do. He took one for the team and unfortunately I could not see very well - I thought there was a little bit of cover and I was hoping that it would be a yellow but unfortunately, it was a red,” he said after the match.

“But honestly the boy helped us because Rama G (Ramagalela) is very quick and he gains space behind the defenders.”

Mngqithi actually felt that the numerical disadvantage galvanised his men and he credited Hlompho Kekana for stepping into defence to replace Mvala, himself a makeshift central defender due to a number of absentees. Veteran club captain Kekana had been used sparingly this season.

“We know he’s (Ramagalela) also very clinical in front of goals. Maybe that is where the team came back because immediately after [Mvala] went out, the substitutes and the players that were inside really gave a good account of themselves,” Mngqithi explained.

“The captain took a unilateral decision to go and play as a centre-back. He did exceptionally well and we were very impressed. I’ve always told people, there will be a time in the league when the captain comes back and is fresh.”

The win over Leopards has left Sundowns on 30 points - three points clear of both SuperSport United and Swallows FC.

SuperSport take on Swallows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening while Sundowns host Chippa United at Loftus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry conceded his team has now gained African Nations Championship experience and in the future, they will know what to expect.

The Cranes crashed out of the competition after managing just a point in Group C. They started with a 0-0 draw with Rwanda before falling 2-1 to Togo. The last game was against the defending champions Morocco and they ended up falling 5-2.

The youthful tactician has further stated the Federation of Uganda Football Associations provided most of the support requested which helped the team to prepare adequately.

"We cannot complain about preparations; when we set out for this project, we made certain requests to the federation in terms of how we can prepare the team," McKinstry said as quoted by the Fufa website.

"I think we got 90% of what we asked for which is very good. To be honest that was pleasing."

In the pre-Chan competition, Uganda drew 1-1 with Cameroon, defeated Zambia 2-0, and later won against Niger 3-0. Expectations were high but from the fans, but the tide turned against them. McKinstry explains why.

"The intensity of the game in competitions is different from what you get in pre-match tournaments," the former Rwanda coach added.

"We were pleased with the progress of the players and they have learned a lot. They now know that when you get to such tournaments you take your chance. They have gained experience and will be better for the future."

The Northern Irish manager also commented on their 5-2 loss to the Atlas Lions in their final group game.

"It was a game we all always thought would be challenging for us.

"The penalty obviously couldn’t have come at a worse time. We are not complaining about the penalty. I think it was a fair enough call. We made some mistakes and we got punished as we also started chasing the game.

"Congratulations to Morocco and we wish them the vest best for the rest of the tournament."  

Rwanda are the remaining East African team in the competition following Tanzania's elimination on Wednesday night by Guinea despite a 2-2 draw.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Manchester United were missing “magic” as their Premier League title bid was stunted by a shock home defeat to Sheffield United.

The Red Devils knew victory over the rock-bottom Blades would lift them above arch-rivals Manchester City and back to the top of the table.

Collective lines were fluffed at Old Trafford, with Chris Wilder’s visitors returning to Yorkshire with a stunning 2-1 success.

Solskjaer’s hosts were well short of their best, with a lack of concentration in defence and the absence of attacking spark holding them back.

They are not accusations that have been levelled at the Red Devils over recent weeks, as a welcome return to form has been taken in, but a serious wobble was endured against the Blades.

Solskjaer concedes as much, with United unable to conjure up the match-winning heroics that have been digging them out of holes on a regular basis this season.

“We were not lacking inspiration. That magic. That was missing. That little bit extra,” the Red Devils boss told reporters when reflecting on an untimely setback.

“There wasn’t the space to run into, they defended well and fair play to them, take nothing away from them. We didn’t have the right ideas or solutions. They weren’t there. The performance-level wasn’t there, the tempo wasn’t there, the quality wasn’t there.

“There were spaces we didn’t use and chances we could have made more of in the first half but, when you’re 1-0 down, you’re always chasing the game. They dropped deep and defended really well.

“I have to be fair enough to say they defended very well and we didn’t have the solutions to open them up.”

United are not the first heavyweight outfit to suffer a coupon-busting defeat in 2020-21, with the playing field levelling out in another coronavirus-impacted campaign, and Solskjaer says he will not be reading too much into one reversal as he readies his troops for a trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Norwegian added: “I just think it’s this kind of season, we’ve been terrific, our consistency has been absolutely top and we’ve won narrow games like this one so many times.

“When it doesn’t happen, we’re disappointed, of course we are, because we know we can play better. But I don’t have time for a big, long inquest. We need to get over it and go again.”