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Simba SC have come out to explain why winger Bernard Morrison is not in the squad currently taking part in the Mapinduzi Cup tournament.

The Ghanaian midfielder missed the team’s two-legged Caf Champions League clash against FC Platinum of Zimbabwe and was later omitted from the squad for the one-week tournament in Arusha.

Simba stand-in coach Selemani Matola has now explained Morrison was left back in Dar es Salaam because he is yet to recover fully from a bout of malaria.

“Morrison was suffering from Malaria and he is gradually getting better now,” Matola told Daily News. “If we will reach as far as the finals of the competition, perhaps he will earn a chance to play.”

Simba have already reached the semi-finals of the competition after beating Mtibwa Sugar 2-0. It was Mtibwa who beat Simba 1-0 in last year’s final to lift the trophy and Matola says they are on course to return home with the trophy.

“The match was difficult but I am thankful to my players because what we tasked them to do prior to the match was executed well leading us to generate the positive results," he continued.

“The team is now focused to play in the semis and even the final, we want to go home with trophy, we have the chance and we will use it.”

On Monday, Simba confirmed winger Luis Miquissone had been withdrawn from the squad and will not play any part in the remaining matches.

Simba team manager Abbas Ally revealed Miquissone was asked by doctors to remain under observation and take a break hence the decision to allow him to leave the camp.

“Luis is already back in Dar after suffering an injury in the game against FC Platinum so he is currently undergoing treatment and I don’t think he will return to play the remaining matches,” Ally told Sokalabongo.

“We only have a semi-final match and then final [if we qualify] and that will be too soon to have him back again.”

Miquissone was not part of the starting line-up against Chipukizi in the tournament opener which Simba won 3-1, and he also missed the 2-0 win against defending champions Mtibwa Sugar.

Malaysian football has not seen the last of Bojan Hodak just yet, as the Croatian pens a deal to become the new head coach at Kuala Lumpur FC (KL) as the club returns to the Super League for the forthcoming 2021 season.

Hodak who had previously held the top post at Kelantan, Johor Darul Ta'zim and even with the Malaysia Under-19 national team, will bring with him a wealth of experience that includes leading both the two former teams to glory in the Super League.

But that would not be the task that is immediately expected of the 49-year-old as KL has shown a propensity to to swing between the Super League and Premier League in recent times and that is a pattern which Hodak is looking to abolish first and foremost.

"This team has the right combination of experienced and young players that I think can do a good job for the team in the coming season. I want them to remember that the Super League will be different from the Premier League and we have to work hard to stay longer in the top flight.

"When I see how the team performed previously, whenever they returned to the Super League, they always ended up finishing bottom and droppping back down. So I don't want the same to repeat for Kuala Lumpur this time and I'm hopeful to make them a stronger competitor.

"I asked Stanley Bernard a lot of question before accepting this job and he convinced me with the mission and long term plan for the club. Whether it's here or in Indonesia, I always prioritise how a club is run because when it is professional and structured, we are clear with the team's pathway.

"So when I'm back in the M-League now because I believe in the plans and ideas mentioned by Stanley and not because I want to be a quick fix and then fail halfway," said Hodak to Malaysian Footbal League (MFL).

There will be a familiar face for Hodak in this KL side with evergreen forward Indra Putra Mahayuddin being someone he has worked with during his time with Kelantan back in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Indra among three well-traveled and experienced figures in the squad that also includes Shukor Adan and Safee Sali.

Stanley who is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at KL looks to have put together a decent enough squad for Hodak to work with as is shown by the signing of Hadin Azman and potentially Irfan Zakaria, both of whom are regulars with internationals with Malaysia.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that summer recruitment at Emirates Stadium did not go to plan, with Arsenal now set to dip into the market for a new goalkeeper.

Arsenal were the envy of most Premier League clubs with their options in the goalkeeping department last season, as Bernd Leno and Emiliano Martinez did battle for the number one spot.

Leno was Arteta's go-to man between the sticks until he picked up a serious injury post-lockdown, which allowed Martinez to step in and show off his talents.

The Argentine had waited eight years for his opportunity to shine in north London, and he grasped it with both hands, helping the Gunners finish their Premier League campaign strongly and secure a record-extending 14th FA Cup.

Martinez made a strong case to replace Leno, but Arsenal ultimately decided to stick with the Germany international upon his return to full fitness, and Aston Villa wasted no time in swooping for a man who had proven he could deliver at the highest level.

Villa snapped Martinez up for £17 million (£23m) in September, leaving the Gunners short on senior backup goalkeeping options, but the club took steps to rectify the situation as swiftly as possible.

Runar Alex Runarsson arrived at the Emirates from Dijon, with the 25-year-old committing his future to Arsenal through to 2024.

However, the Iceland international has struggled on the rare occasions he has filled in for Leno, and it has been suggested that he will be sent out on loan before the January market closes.

Arteta has no plans to sanction Runarsson's departure after seeing third-choice keeper Matt Macey leave for Hibernian earlier this month, but has revealed that the Gunners will look to reinforce a key area over the next couple of weeks.

The Spanish head coach told a press conference on Monday: "There is nothing there yet [regarding Runarsson].

"We are assessing what is going to happen with the three positions, the discussions we had in the summer with Edu and the club were a little bit different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and the situation that developed with Emi at the end of the day.

"We didn't have much time to do what we really wanted to do and we decided to assess the situation now in this window, which is what we are trying to do, and we will make a decision about how we want to move forward in those three positions in the goalkeeping area."

Arsenal extended their recent winning run to four matches by beating Newcastle 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with Leno getting the nod in goal, and they are due back in Premier League action at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday.

David Alaba is adamant the uncertainty over his future at Bayern Munich is not affecting his performances this season.

The Austria international is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and he is widely expected to leave Allianz Arena on a free transfer.

The 3-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach last Friday prompted criticism from pundits of Alaba’s current form amid the speculation over his future.

Why does it matter?

Alaba has been a lynchpin of the Bayern defence for a number of years now, whether playing at left-back or in the centre of defence.

However, the 28-year-old has not been at his peak in recent months and it has coincided with Bayern not being as solid defensively as a whole.

After letting slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Gladbach, Hansi Flick’s side have now conceded 24 goals in their 15 Bundesliga games this season – the worst record among the top six teams in the table.

What’s been said?

“No, absolutely not,” Alaba told Bild when asked whether his dip in form was due to his situation at Bayern.

“Personally, I don’t think things are going so badly for me this season and I haven’t changed my style of play compared to last year.

“I’ve said it many times: For me, the only thing that counts is another successful season with Bayern. We are still leading the table and I am sure that we will win the next games and, in the end, we will be top.”

The bigger picture

Any perceived drop in Alaba’s form this season is not having a detrimental effect on Bayern’s chances of success at this stage, with the reigning Bundesliga champions two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

Flick’s side are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League and will continue the defence of their crown with a first knockout round tie against Lazio in February.

Regarding Alaba’s own future, Bayern have been increasingly resigned to losing the defender in the summer, with Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid linked with an approach.

Madrid are reported to be favourites to sign Alaba, although his wage demands are currently proving to be a stumbling block to a deal.

Further reading

Alaba to Real Madrid stalls as Bayern Munich defender demands higher salary than Sergio Ramos (Jan 4)

Bayern Munich resigned to losing Premier League-linked Alaba as Kahn admits defender is 'looking around' (Dec 23)

'It's not an issue at the moment' - Flick refuses to discuss Alaba contract as Bayern prepare for Leipzig clash (Dec 4)

Pedro Obiang has tendered an apology for costing Sassuolo a 3-1 loss against Juventus after he was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s Serie A encounter.

The former West Ham United midfielder was dismissed on the stroke of half-time for his studs-up tackle on Federico Chiesa.

Following his expulsion, Danilo opened the scoring for Juventus five minutes into the second half but Gregoire Defrel's equaliser was not enough to save Roberto De Zerbi's side from defeat as late goals from Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo secured maximum points for the hosts.

Sunday’s expulsion was the first time Obiang was shown a straight red card in his professional career, however, he has taken to social media to say sorry and send his best wishes to Chiesa.

“First of all, I would like to apologise because I made a mistake in the game that cost my team. I never wanted to leave the team down to 10 men and I also send my wishes to Federico Chiesa,” Obiang tweeted.

The nine-cap Equatorial Guinea international will be suspended for Sassuolo's Coppa Italia fixture against SPAL on Thursday and their next Serie A match against Parma on Sunday, both at the Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore.

Obiang has featured in 15 Serie A matches for the Black and Greens who are seventh on the league table with 29 points from 17 matches.

The 28-year-old returned to the Italian top-flight on a four-year deal from West Ham United in July 2019, after his first stint with Sampdoria where he spent seven years.

Norwich playmaker Emiliano Buendia would be a “very clever signing” for Arsenal says Kevin Campbell, with the Gunners urged to invest in another creative influence.

Mikel Arteta has been short of inspiration in the final third at times this season. Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have not been firing on all cylinders, while wide men Willian and Nicolas Pepe have struggled to find a spark.

Mesut Ozil has been frozen out of the first-team picture, with faith now having to be shown in youth. Emile Smith Rowe is among those to have stepped up and delivered, but alternative options to the talented 20-year-old are wanted at Emirates Stadium.

Buendia, who has experienced Premier League football during his time at Carrow Road, could tick useful boxes for the Gunners.

Campbell believes he would be a shrewd addition in north London, with the Argentine showing in the Championship this season that is capable of picking the tightest of defensive locks.

“I think he would be a very clever signing,” former Arsenal striker Campbell told Football Insider when quizzed on the Gunners’ links to Buendia. “I like him. He has the qualities that Mikel Arteta is looking for in a player. Not only can he pick a pass, he can score and he works hard.

“He has that energy which has been missing from the team for long periods of this season.

“I think there is some really good players in the Championship and Buendia is one of them. He would fit what Arteta wants to do perfectly.”

Campbell added: “I know Norwich will be desperate to keep him but this is Arsenal and business is business. I am sure Buendia would want to join Arsenal, that is for sure.”

Norwich snapped up Buendia from Getafe in the summer of 2018 and he helped them to promotion in his debut campaign. Just one season was spent among English football’s elite before slipping back into the second tier, but the highly-rated 24-year-old has contributed 16 goals and 32 assists in 100 appearances for the Canaries.

Arsenal are next in Premier League action on Thursday, when they host Crystal Palace.

Gabriel Martinelli will have a scan on Monday, with Arsenal hopeful the Brazilian attacker’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

Martinelli was injured during the warm-up on Saturday night as Arsenal prepared to take on Newcastle in the FA Cup third round and was replaced in the starting XI by Reiss Nelson.

He watched the second half from the stands while wearing a protective boot and Arteta admitted after the game that the initial signs did ‘not look good’ for the 19-year-old.

But, having seen Martinelli at the training ground on Sunday, Arteta is now in a slightly more positive mood and is hopeful the scan results will show the forward does not have to spend too long on the sidelines.

“We don’t know how bad it is, he’s getting a scan this morning,” Arteta said on Monday. “He didn’t look good after the game because he was in a lot of pain, but yesterday he tested a little bit better.

“So let’s hope he has the scan and it’s not as serious and we can have Gabi back really soon. But we will know more on Tuesday.”

Arsenal take on Crystal Palace in the Premier league on Thursday night looking to make it five successive wins in all competitions.

The Gunners could have their two main summer signings available for the clash, with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and midfielder Thomas Partey both expected to return following lay-offs.

Gabriel has missed the last four games having tested positive for coronavirus, while Partey hasn’t played since limping off with a thigh injury during the north London derby defeat at Spurs on December 6.

But Arteta is hopeful both could make their returns against Palace later in the week.

“Gabriel had a training session the other day,” said the Arsenal boss. “He tested positive, he had very mild symptoms, so he’s missed a few weeks of training because he had to be isolated.

“He’s better now, we expect him to be training with us the next couple of days and we’ll make an assessment whether we can have him or not on Thursday.

“Thomas has been in full training for the last four or five days. He’s completely asymptomatic. He was a little bit rushed to try to play him against Newcastle, but I think he will be ready for Thursday.”

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo fears Paulo Dybala may have suffered knee ligament damage.

Dybala was forced off in the first half of Juve's 3-1 win against Sassuolo on Sunday after sustaining a knee injury, with Dejan Kulusevski brought on as his replacement.

The Argentine was making his 11th Serie A appearance of the season at the Allianz Stadium but could now be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Pirlo revealing the full extent of his fitness setback during a post-match interview with Sky Italia.

"Dybala has a blunt trauma a little below the knee," he said.

Pirlo went on to deliver an update on Weston McKennie, who also had to be withdrawn early on in the clash with Sassuolo after falling awkwardly while attempting a piece of skill in the opposition penalty area.

"McKennie had a problem, today he felt some pain," said the Juve head coach.

The Bianconeri could be without Dybala and McKennie when they play host to Genoa in their round of 16 Coppa Italia tie in midweek, and may also be sweating on their availability for a top of the table showdown against Inter at San Siro four days later.

Juve beat current Serie A leaders Milan in their own backyard before picking up another three points against Sassuolo, and are now only seven points behind the Rossoneri in the standings with a game in hand.

"It was important to have continuity and win, otherwise the success at San Siro would have been useless," Pirlo added on his side's latest victory. "We were a bit messy, but in the end the three points count."

The Italian head coach is looking forward to coming up against Inter next weekend, but does not want complacency to set in among his players when Genoa arrive at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

He said: "These are great matches for anyone to play, we have many champions prepared to face this type of challenge. Now let's think about the Italian Cup, then we will focus on Inter. 

"Two out of three results at San Siro? No, we are Juventus and we have pressure to win all matches, to be played as if they were finals."

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has explained his happiness at seeing the return of his key players despite losing 1-0 to Tusker in an FKF Premier League match on Sunday.

The Kakamega-based outfit, who pushed Gor Mahia to the title last season before the league was prematurely ended owing to the coronavirus pandemic, have had a rather poor start to the 2020-21 campaign and are now lying 14th on the 18-team table after managing one win from six outings.

Shimanyula has since told Goal there is no need to press the panic button yet because his six players, who missed the first five matches of the season after contracting Covid-19, were back in action against the Brewers and played very well.

“I am happy that my six players returned and played very well against Tusker,” Shimanyula told Goal on Monday. “I know we lost, but we did not deserve to lose, the team played very well, we controlled even the first half but failed to convert our chances, my team is back now.

“I cannot fault my players for the defeat, they gave their best, they pushed Tusker and we even scored two goals which were disallowed for offside, I don’t think there was offside in the two goals, they were clean goals but the decision by the referee is final, we don’t have to cry because of that.

“What impressed me most is how the team played, with the return of the six players, we looked more organised and troubled Tusker very much, we were just unlucky not to get something from the fixture, we either deserved a win or a point from the game but that is football.”

On whether the team will stick with head coach Nicholas Muyoti after the poor start, Shimanyula said: “Muyoti will remain our coach, we don’t need to make changes, he has struggled with a team without regular players but now all of them are back, I am expecting a win in our next match.

“But I am working to beef up the technical bench, I need an assistant to work under Muyoti and we are talking to one already but cannot give you the name.

“We will soon unveil him, he will come in to assist Muyoti because all Muyoti needs is a push from another coach and that is why we want to employ another assistant coach to work under him.”

Homeboyz will next travel to Mombasa to take on Bandari at Mbaraki grounds on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc is keen to retain Reinier amid reports the Real Madrid teenager’s loan could be cut short.

Reinier joined Dortmund on a two-year loan deal from Madrid last August, but the 18-year-old has struggled to make an impact for the Bundesliga club.

Reports in Spain claim that Madrid are looking to end the deal early and send the Brazilian on loan to Valladolid, who are owned by the attacker’s compatriot Ronaldo.

Why it does matter?

When Reinier signed for Dortmund last summer, it was with the intention of him playing regularly to build up first-team experience before he returned to push for a place in the Madrid side.

However, Reinier has yet to start a competitive game for Dortmund since moving to Germany. He has made just four substitute appearances in the Bundesliga, while featuring twice from the bench in the Champions League and once in the DFB-Pokal.

Having arrived in Madrid from Flamengo with a huge reputation 12 months ago, reports have suggested the Spanish giants are concerned that Reinier’s development is stalling due to his lack of action.

What’s been said?

“We have a lot of competition in attack,” Zorc told Sport1 on the back of reports Reinier’s loan will be cut short.

“We basically don’t want to give him up. Of course, I’ll listen to everything. If someone is dissatisfied because he has too few opportunities, then you talk to each other, but we will not take the initiative ourselves.”

The bigger picture

Reiner has not had the easiest of times since his move to Dortmund and tested positive for coronavirus in November after returning from international duty with the Brazil Under-23 side.

In addition, Dortmund may be reluctant to lose a talented player from their squad after seeing Axel Witsel likely ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during Saturday’s win over RB Leipzig.

Zorc has confirmed that Dortmund do not plan to sign a replacement for Witsel and that could lead to increased opportunities for Reinier to make his mark during the second half of the season.

Further reading

Borussia Dortmund confirm indefinite Witsel injury to spark fears of Belgian midfielder missing Euro 2020 (Jan 10)

'We have patience with him' - Zorc denies Dortmund are planning to send Reinier back to Real Madrid (Dec 5)

Yaya Toure has commenced plans to secure his coaching badges with opportunities to lead young footballers at Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year is yet to find a new club to continue his career since he left Qingdao Huanghai in January 2020 after helping them gain promotion to the Chinese Super League.

Last year, the 37-year-old midfielder joined League Two club Leyton Orient in training but he has now expressed his readiness to follow a similar path as his brother Kolo, who is an assistant coach to Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.

Toure, who won three Premier League titles during his eight-year spell at Manchester City, said he has been learning from youth coaches in the Championship and he has led some coaching sessions.

“The coronavirus pandemic has made things difficult in a lot of ways – it was the reason I left Qingdao Huanghai in China at the start of 2020 – but it has given me the opportunity to learn,” Toure wrote in the Coaches' Voice.

“I have taken the chance to start doing my coaching badges and think about the next chapter. I’ve already made good progress in gaining my qualifications.

“But sitting in an office the whole time – that’s not me.

“I want to be out on the grass, interacting with other people, exchanging ideas. I’ve been very lucky that Chris Ramsey (above) has given me the opportunity to do that at QPR.

“I’ve been able to lead coaching sessions with the younger age groups, watch Chris coach and learn from him, as well as lots of other good coaches like Andrew Impey and Paul Hall. Les Ferdinand has been great, giving me the chance to watch these coaches in action. They have pushed me to learn, and have shown me what you need to do differently to be a top coach.

“I’ve also had the chance to go to Blackburn thanks to Stuart Jones (below), and the PFA – through Geoff Lomax – have given me great opportunities too. I’m learning all the time, and I love it!

“At QPR, after the sessions, I spend time with the players chatting to them. It really is amazing to see how committed they are. They want to achieve as much as I did, and they always want to learn how to be better. It’s amazing to be able to help them, and I’m delighted that I have that chance.”

Trevor Phillips, the first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL), has passed on.

The news of the death of the man known affectionately as ‘the British Bulldog’ was confirmed by the PSL on Monday morning.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Trevor “British Bulldog” Phillips, the first Chief Executive Officer of the Premier Soccer League,” read a statement.

“The NSL Executive Committee conveys its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Phillips’ family, more particularly, his wife Stella and his children Mark and Sharon. We supplicate that GOD gives them fortitude at this moment of their extreme grief and pain.

“The PSL will observe a moment of silence ahead of this week’s DStv Premiership and GladAfrica Championship fixtures. May his soul repose peacefully.”

Phillips served as the PSL’s CEO during two spells.

The first coincided with the founding of the PSL in 1996 and ran until 1998. In his first season in charge, it was Gordon Igesund's Manning Rangers who won the inaugural PSL title.

Phillips then returned for another five-year stint which ran between 2002 and 2007. During this spell, the PSL was reduced from 18 to 16 clubs – ahead of the 2002/ 03 campaign.

Also in Phillips’ second stint in charge was the 2004 match-fixing scandal which rocked South African football - Operation Dribble lead to a number of arrests of club officials, match commissioners, referees and assistants.

Between 1996 and 2007 the PSL was sponsored by the South African Brewery (SAB) and the league competition was known as the Castle Premiership. Subsequently, Absa bank and now DStv have been the headline sponsors.

The PSL has widely been recognised as one of the most professional and well-run leagues on the continent and has attracted players and coaches from across Africa and the world.

Phillips was replaced by Norwegian Kjetil Siem, who was in charge until 2011.

Between 2011 and 2016, Zola Majavu‚ Stanley Matthews‚ Cambridge Mokanyane and Brand de Villers all had relatively short stints as the league’s leader.

Since 2016, Golden Arrows chairperson Mato Madlala has been the acting PSL CEO.

Bruno Fernandes, Heung-min Son and Jordan Henderson were among the stars to shine brightly in 2020, but former Liverpool striker John Aldridge claims “flawless” Fabinho was the “best player” of the last 12 months.

Those at Anfield brought a 30-year wait for top-flight glory to a close in the 2019-20 campaign, with club captain Henderson leading by example as he hoisted aloft the Premier League trophy.

Elsewhere, South Korean forward Son cemented his standing as one of the most fearsome forwards in world football, while Portuguese playmaker Fernandes has become a talismanic presence at Manchester United.

The likes of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne – who landed the PFA Player of the Year award last season – and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy have also continued to thrive on the grandest of stages, but Aldridge believes an unsung hero on Merseyside deserves the biggest billing.

The ex-Liverpool frontman has told the Sunday World: “There was a lot of debate over who was the best player of 2020 and Jordan Henderson got a few nominations, but I'd be tempted to select another Liverpool player for that prize.

“Bruno Fernandes has been superb since he arrived at Manchester United in January and the Tottenham duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have been top class.

“Yet when I look at a player who has been most influential in the best team in the land, my focus falls on Liverpool's flawless maestro, Fabinho.

“He took some time to find his feet at Liverpool, but Fabinho's importance to Jurgen Klopp's side has been highlighted time and again in recent months.

“This Brazilian was fantastic in midfield in the first half of 2020 and has been a maestro at the heart of the defence since Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez picked up season-ending injuries.

“In fact, if all of Liverpool's defenders were fit and available, Fabinho would probably be picked as Van Dijk's partner ahead of everyone else and that says a lot about his performances.

“He has barely put a foot wrong since stepping into the heart of the defence and he has been a great leader to guide youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams in the last few weeks.

“It's not easy to play in an unfamiliar position and look like the best player in that position in an instant, but Fabinho has pulled that off and he has been a revelation.

“I don't think a Liverpool defence made up of a makeshift midfielder, the occasionally fit Joel Matip and a couple of young kids will be enough to win them the Premier League title in 2021, yet as long as Fabinho continues to perform as he has done in the last few months, anything is possible.”

Despite seeing Fabinho thrive while providing cover at the heart of their back four, Liverpool are currently mulling over the option of dipping into the January transfer market for another proven centre-half.

Tusker FC striker Henry Meja has revealed coach Robert Matano challenged every player to double their efforts for the team to get a positive outcome against Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Premier League game played at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

The youngster scored the lone goal after the break when he received the ball from Luke Namanda while in the box, controlled it a little bit, and fired into the bottom corner.

However, he has conceded it was not an easy outing despite getting maximum points.

"It was a tough game but we managed to compose ourselves and we are happy to have gotten three points," Meja told Goal.

"After the break, the coach talked to us and challenged each of us to give our best on the pitch. We upped our tempo and ended up getting a win. 

"This is my second league goal and it has given me the motivation to work harder and score more goals. I have set a target of scoring 15 goals this season."

The 11-time champions coach Robert Matano conceded his team started the game with a low tempo but ended up finishing well.

He also revealed he had to make some tactical changes to ensure his team stood a chance of getting a win.

"It was a tough match and we expected it to be so and we were up to the [challenge]," Matano told Goal.

"We played good football although we started low especially in the first 10-25 minutes. 

"Homeboyz were on top of their game but we contained them until the second half. We came back so strong as expected, and we managed to win the game which we are happy about. 

"You know I have not seen Homeboyz [play] for a year and after seeing them in the first half we changed strategy and system of play. The players understood what I wanted them to do then we changed the game.

"We have picked up so well, and I hope that we continue doing more or the same in future matches." 

After Sunday's win, the Brewers are placed third on the log with 14 points from the seven games played.

Former Simba SC head coach Patrick Aussems has revealed he is ready to return and take charge of the Mainland Premier League champions again

The head coach’s position fell vacant after Aussems’ successor Sven Vandenbroeck left after he had led the side to the Caf Champions League group stage. The Belgian tactician has now stated he would return fast should he get the invitation from the Simba management.

“I am very ready for a return. They now have a strong squad than what I had in the previous two seasons,” Aussems told Mwanaspoti.

“I am ready to come back if at all I will receive a call from the club’s owner. But it would also be right to confirm that I have got other offers from some African teams.

“I lived with Simba quite well and I know the doors are still open and for that reason, I will prioritise them over any other team that would approach me.”

The coach further pointed out key areas that would convince him to rejoin the 2020 treble winners.

“If you look at Simba’s player individually, then you will see that they have incredibly improved and that is always a boost for any coach,” the retired defender said.

“And for that reason, I am ready to come back if and when they will ask me to. It would be easy for me to take charge as they are already accustomed to my way of play; attacking football that is meant to entertain everyone including the fans.”

The tactician also spoke about Wekundu wa Msimbazi’s chances in the Champions League Group A. Simba qualified for this stage after beating Plateau United of Nigeria and Platinum FC of Zimbabwe.

“Simba have got a competitive squad that can do well against AS Vita and Al Ahly but for El-Merreikh, I really cannot talk much about them due to my limited knowledge on them,” he added.

“But again teams from Sudan or around that region are – in most cases – not as competitive.

“If Simba are going to deploy their arsenal well especially during home games and be disciplined against El-Merreikh away, then I can see them getting out of the group and progress to the quarter-finals with at least 10 points.”

Aussems added he has not talked to Vandenbroeck since he left Simba but is certain the successes the latter had at Wekundu wa Mismbazi were enough to attract suitors.

“I have not had a chat with Vandenbroeck but getting a team to the group stage is a great achievement after domestic successes and I will not be surprised if offers from other countries come,” he concluded.

Vandebroeck has already been appointed head coach of ASFAR Rabat.

Mikel Arteta has vowed to help Nicolas Pepe succeed at Arsenal, with the Gunners boss confident that the out-of-sorts winger can avoid becoming a £72 million ($97m) flop.

A highly-rated forward snapped up in a club-record deal during the summer of 2019 is dangerously close to tumbling into that category.

Despite being at Emirates Stadium for 18 months, Pepe is yet to convince and make the impact expected of him when he completed a big-money move from Lille.

There have been flashes of brilliance, but serious questions have been asked of the Ivory Coast international’s ability and attitude.

Arsenal’s patience with an expensive asset can only stretch so far, as they seek to establish much-needed consistency as a collective, but Arteta will continue to give Pepe time.

The Spanish tactician told reporters after seeing the 25-year-old put in another forgettable display in an FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle: “We need to help him to (succeed).

“In order to do that he needs minutes, he needs consistency in the team and when he has that, he needs to show he is capable of doing it.

“Let's see how the next few months develop.”

Pepe was replaced against Newcastle in extra-time, with Arsenal requiring a late rally from Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to secure a 2-0 win.

The Ivorian saw his touch and finishing desert him again at times versus the Magpies, but Arteta is reluctant to pick fault with those who have not been seeing regular starts of late.

He added: “I think it is hard to make judgement on some players that haven't played many minutes over the last two or three weeks and to throw them in and expect them to be the best player on the pitch.

“I don't think it happens and Nico tried. He tried all the game and had some really good moments - moments where he could have scored two or three goals.

“In a normal circumstance and with his ability in those positions, he puts the ball in the back of the net. He didn't do it but I think his contribution overall was good.”

Next up for Arsenal is a Premier League derby date with London rivals Crystal Palace, with that contest set to see the Gunners come up against Wilfried Zaha – the player they overlooked in favour of signing Pepe.

Simba SC have confirmed winger Luis Miquissone will not play any part in the remaining matches of the Mapinduzi Cup tournament in Zanzibar.

The Wekundu was Msimbazi are currently taking part in the one-week tournament and have already reached the semi-finals, where they are scheduled to take on Namungo FC on Monday.

However, Miquissone, who was the star attraction as Simba hammered FC Platinum of Zimbabwe 4-0 to advance to the group stage of the Caf Champions League with a 4-1 aggregate win, will not be available after picking up an injury, and has now been allowed to travel back to Dar es Salaam.

Simba team manager Abbas Ally has revealed Miquissone was asked by doctors to remain under observation and take a break hence the decision to allow him to leave the camp.

“Luis is already back in Dar after suffering an injury in the game against FC Platinum so he is currently undergoing treatment and I don’t think he will return to play the remaining matches,” Ally told Sokalabongo.

“We only have a semi-final match and then final [if we qualify] and that will be too soon to have him back again.”

Miquissone was not part of the starting line-up against Chipukizi in the tournament opener which Simba won 3-1, and he also missed the 2-0 win against defending champions Mtibwa Sugar.

His absence was not received well by the club's fans who thought the player was negotiating to leave the champions after reports emerged Platinum were interested in his services.

Against Mtibwa Sugar, the Selemani Matola-led charges scored their goals through Hassan Dilunga and Miraji Athumani.

Simba's rivals Yanga SC have also reached the semis of the competition and will face Azam FC, who sealed their place in the last four after labouring to a 1-0 win over Malindi FC at the Amani Stadium on Sunday night.

Captain Aggrey Morris scored the lone goal to help the Ice-cream Makers qualify for the last four.

After the competition in Arusha, the teams will shift their focus to the Mainland Premier League action with Yanga topping the 18-team table on 44 points from 18 matches, while Simba are second with 35 points from 15 matches and Azam are third on 32 points from 17 outings.

Gor Mahia custodian Levis Opiyo has moved to terminate his stay with the club over salary arrears.

Opiyo arrived at the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions from promoted side Nairobi City Stars at the start of the 2020-21 season, and was seen as a direct replacement for Peter Odhiambo, who left K’Ogalo to sign for Wazito FC.

However, despite joining the club, Opiyo is yet to start for the team this season with his only meaningful contribution coming in the Caf Champions League match against APR of Rwanda, where he was handed a bench role after veteran Boniface Oluoch was ruled out after suffering from malaria.

A source within K’Ogalo has now told Goal Opiyo, who has decided to terminate his contract, has already written to the club asking to move on.

“Opiyo has terminated his contract with Gor Mahia because he feels he cannot wait any longer to ask for his salary,” the source, who did not want to be named told Goal.

“He has been asking for his pay including the sign-on fee but it seems they are not ready to pay him so he has decided to officially leave the club.”

Gor Mahia have had a turbulent season as they are yet to pay players for close to five months and in recent times, the players have been staging go-slows to demand their pay.

The most recent incident happened during the return leg of the Champions League clash against CR Belouizdad, where players refused to honour the game but they were prevailed upon by the officials at the last moment but ended up losing 2-1 to exit the competition on an 8-1 aggregate scoreline.

Despite being eliminated from the Champions League, they received a lifeline as they will take part in the Confederation Cup, where they will face Napsa Stars of Zambia in the playoff round, with the first leg planned for Nairobi on February 14.

On the local front, Gor Mahia have started the season on a poor note, managing one win from three matches, the latest being a 4-3 defeat against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Gor Mahia had also lost 2-1 to Tusker FC after beating Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in their season opener played at Nyayo Stadium.

On Sunday, the club confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who will replace Brazilian Roberto Oliveira.

On taking charge, the 47-year-old promised to help the team retain the league title and also reach the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

“I have a lot of experience in Africa. I worked before in two countries, Angola and Ethiopia I played Confederation Cup and Champions League and now I come to Gor Mahia because they are a big club,” Pinto told reporters after being unveiled.

“I am very proud to be the coach of Gor Mahia and of course I want to achieve big things and make history with the club. We start to work very hard to win games in the league and put Gor Mahia in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, that is my target here.”

On what he targets to achieve with the team, Pinto explained: “I am a young and ambitious coach and I want my team to be ambitious, we must be ready to achieve goals and we must achieve our targets, I am ambitious and I want my team to be ambitious, to fight in every game, win every game and win trophies as well.”

Gor Mahia will next face Mathare United on Thursday.

Kerala Blasters had 13 wins in their last 63 matches ahead of Sunday's fixture against Jamshedpur in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL).

The Yellow Army had been defeated by Odisha who picked up their first win of the season in their previous match and it had been a night to forget for Kibu Vicuna and his players. 

And on Sunday, they were up against a team whom they had never defeated before. The odds were stacked against Blasters but the team managed to register their second win of the season at the end of a five-goal thriller. 

The victory was by no means straightforward and easy. Blasters had their fair share of nerve-racking moments throughout the game. But at the end of the ninety minutes, Vicuna had pocketed three points and that was what the fans were looking forward to the most. 

The game was a closely-fought contest, not just because of the final scoreline of 3-2. Jamshedpur completed 221 successful passes compared to Kerala's 197, held 51 per cent of the ball and had five shots on target while Blasters had seven. The numbers were close but Blasters created the better chances and were the deserved winners. 

Blasters have had a habit of conceding leads after the break this season but there was a welcome change against Jamshedpur. Costa Nhamoinesu's header and Nerijus Valskis' free-kick meant the sides were level when they came out of the tunnel for the second half. 

A poor challenge by Lalruatthara in the 67th minute was punished with a second yellow and Blasters were reduced to 10 men. The story of the game was going in a direction that Blasters supporters were a little too familiar with but the side didn't capitulate, also thanks to poor defending and a horrific goalkeeping error from TP Rehenesh. 

Jordan Murray turned hero by scoring two quick goals. First, the impressive Facundo Pereyra dribbled into the box and forces a save off TP Rehenesh who pushed the ball into the path of the Australian striker. The former A-League forward found the net easily to give Blasters the lead. 

The 10-man team were then gifted a two-goal cushion by their former player Rehenesh who fumbled a straightforward pass inside the box and allowed Murray to slot home the easiest goal he will score this season. 

Blasters had struck a hammer blow against Jamshedpur with just 10 men. However, their performance wasn't faultless. Valskis, who has more goal contributions against Blasters than any other ISL club, ghosted into the box to head home a cross and set up a nervous end to the game. 

But once again, Kerala Blasters' spirit helped them to hold on to their lead. Up against the Men of Steel, Blasters' display had a lot of steel in it. VIcuna will only hope it's not a one-off.

Jose Mourinho is preparing for Tottenham's Premier League clash against Aston Villa to go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday.

After a significant coronavirus outbreak, Villa  used youth players in a 4-1 FA Cup loss to Liverpool on Friday.

The outbreak has put their hosting of Spurs at risk, but a postponement would create more fixture chaos for Tottenham.

After a 5-0 FA Cup win over Marine on Sunday, Mourinho was asked when Tottenham's next game would be and the Spurs head coach responded: "Wednesday."

"No one has told me any different that I am not going to play so tomorrow morning we'll start preparing that game," he added.

"The same Tuesday, unless we're told different."

Spurs are fourth in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool and Manchester United.

Mourinho and co. are also set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, while Spurs also remain involved in the Europa League knockout stages.

On Sunday, though, they took down lower-league Marine behind a Carlos Vinicius hat-trick, with Lucas Moura and Alfie Devine also scoring.

In the process, Devine became Tottenham's youngest-ever debutant as well as the club's youngest-ever goalscorer.

After the match, Marine manager Neil Young was full of praise for how Spurs approached the game, telling BBC Radio: "It has been a nice, tough week because we've had a lot of media duties, and with our players being part-time we've got jobs as well, but we'll reflect.

"I won't reflect on this game too much, it's a proud moment to be able to bring Tottenham here and to meet Jose personally. From an FA Cup perspective, to bring the team and subs they did is great.

"Jose was very complimentary about the club and the pitch. I've got so much admiration for Tottenham, not just because of the players they bought today but also the way their supporters have got behind our football club and logistically they've supported us with that."

He added: "It was a tough afternoon, they brought a very strong side really, and we're grateful for that. They've shown us respect have Jose Mourinho, and their club, to bring all their stars here to play against us. I'm very proud of my team, we've come a long way. It was our eighth FA Cup tie but it was a tough afternoon.

"It would have been easy not to and save them but it has been a great season and we're very proud of what we've achieved."