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Patrick Ngunyi and Peter Oudu have handed Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks a massive boost after returning to training on Tuesday morning.

The duo has been out owing to injuries, but have made a timely return as the Slum Boys prepare to play Gor Mahia in their next league outing.

"Patrick Ngunyi and Peter Oudu resumed training today [Tuesday] after some time on the sidelines," the Nairobi-based side confirmed through their social media platform. 

"Oudu is back after suffering a concussion against Western Stima while Ngunyi is recovering from a patella tendonitis injury."

Meanwhile, striker Erick Kapaito believes this season he is in pole position to score many goals and help  theSharks push for the league title.

The forward has so far managed to score seven goals and is leading the race for the Golden Boot. 

"Every player and especially as a striker, you want to play games and score," the striker stated.

"Of course I was frustrated but I am happy that I managed to recover and now I am looking at myself well and working well with the physio. I believe I am in a position where I can do better." 

Sharks have started the season relatively well and are placed second on the table with 12 points after six games. Kapaito has explained why the William Muluya-led charges are performing well.

"Everyone’s morale is high and we are pushing each other from the training ground to the game," the striker added.

"We have that urge to win and that is why after the Ulinzi [Stars] game, everyone was frustrated because we did not get three points."

In the game against the Soldiers last weekend, James Mazembe would have scored for the hosts in the 14th minute but his effort, from a very promising spot, hit the woodwork. Patila Omotto would have also given the Nairobi club an opener in the 20th minute but his strike flew off target.

Ulinzi Stars’ first clear chance came in the 32nd minute, but Masita Masuta sent his effort wide to deny the composed Soldiers an opener.

Stars’ head coach Benjamin Nyangweso made a first change in the 55th minute when he withdrew Elvis Nandwa for Oscar Wamalwa. Five minutes later, the Nakuru outfit failed to break the deadlock again as Brian Birgen’s ferocious strike was stopped by Brian Bwire in the Sharks’ goal.

There were two late changes by Nyangweso; as Ibrahim Shambi replaced Daniel Waweru while Masita's place was filled by Clinton Omondi. However, they did not bring about much of an impact, as the two sides shared the spoils from the stalemate.

Manchester United are, according to Independiente del Valle, yet to make a formal approach for exciting teenager Moises Caicedo.

The highly-rated 19-year-old is the latest emerging star that the Red Devils are said to have their eye on.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has a deal for Amad Diallo wrapped up, with the Atalanta starlet on his way to England to complete a transfer that was put in place last summer.

United have also bought into the potential of Uruguayan forward Facundo Pellistri, with the 19-year-old now part of the fold at Old Trafford.

He could soon be joined by Caicedo, who continues to catch the eye in his native Ecuador.

It has been suggested that United are looking to push through a €6 million (£5m/$7m) agreement for the youngster now that another transfer window has opened.

Independiente del Valle general manager Santiago Morales has, however, sought to curb speculation regarding an imminent switch to England for Caicedo, with no official bid from the Red Devils put on the table.

He told Radio La Red of a player that is attracting admiring glances from leading sides across Europe: “There’s interest from various teams for Moises Caicedo and we believe that we will not have him this year.

“There is much speculation with Moises Caicedo, but we haven’t had any communication with Manchester United.

“We are surprised that they even talk about values, but we haven’t spoken with Manchester United, although we have spoken with other great teams in the world.”

If United are still mulling over their options, the revelation that “other great teams” are in the mix should help to speed up recruitment decisions at Old Trafford.

Caicedo only turned 19 in December and is still a rough diamond in need of polishing.

He is, however, a full senior international and a player expected to star for many years to come.

The youngster has been billed as a blend of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, with his energy and creativity in the middle of the park allowing him to impact proceedings at both ends of the field.

Ghana international David Titi Accam reveals he has considered bowing out of football over his career struggles in recent times.

The star of the team while with Chicago Fire, the winger's stock has massively fallen since pursuing a move to Philadelphia Union in 2018.

His challenges have seen him change clubs two more times within the period, joining Columbus Crew in 2019 and current side Nashville last year.

“It’s been difficult; one of the most difficult periods of my life. I had never experienced anything like this before," Accam told Citisports .

“Everyone wants to live a good life but we have to be prepared for obstacles too.

“In the last two years, I have thought about quitting the game and returning home to stay with my family because of everything going on, but I also realise I’m a breadwinner with a lot of people relying on me so I had to keep going.

“I’ve learned a lot in the last two years; how to be resilient, how to stay strong in the face of everything, and here I am, surrounded by my family and friends and I’m just happy to be alive."

After impressing for Helsingborg, Accam left for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire in 2015.

He netted 33 MLS goals during his time with Fire, registering 15 assists and finishing his first two seasons as the club’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player.

The attacker accepted a new challenge at Philadelphia Union ahead of the 2018 season but struggled to replicate his Fire form for his new club, culminating in 23 league appearances involving just 13 starts and only one goal.

With limited opportunities during the first half of the 2019 season, the 30-year-old headed for Columbus Crew in search of more playing time. He made 15 outings for The Crew, started eight of the matches and scored twice before making a switch once again, this time around to Nashville, for the 2020 term.

He would make only seven league appearances and score once in his first season at his new club.

Accam's struggles at club level have worked against his hopes of earning a call-up to Ghana's national team for the first time since 2017.

Indian football legend IM Vijayan has welcomed the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) move to appoint former India international striker Abhishek Yadav as the Deputy General Secretary. 

Yadav had been involved with the Indian FA in various capacities. He was the National Team Director (NTD) and had also served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the India Under-17 team for the U-17 FIFA World Cup which was held in India in 2017.

The former India international was also the Head of Scouting and initiated the Sports Authority of India (SAI) – AIFF international scouting project which helped identify several key players for the 2017 U17 World Cup team and also played a key role in negotiating the contracts with the India Under-17 team when the AIFF opted to keep them together for the Arrows project.

Yadav's former teammate Vijayan wholeheartedly welcomed the appointment. He told Goal, "It is a very good move. He has been a player and it is good that players are occupying such important posts. He is not only my friend but my brother as well. He is a great person."

The Keralite added, "I think he has been the national team director for two-three years now. So he knows what is good for Indian football. I have played alongside him as well. We both were strikers so it was great back then as well."

“Abhishek has done a commendable job so far and I have personally observed Abhishek grow in stature as an administrator,” AIFF President Praful Patel was quoted saying by PTI.

“I must thank AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das who has guided and given me valuable inputs throughout my time I have been involved in the AIFF set up. I also have to thank the President (Praful Patel) for supporting me in various football development initiatives,” Yadav said.

The chairman of AIFF's Technical Committee, Shyam Thapa, lauded the decision to appoint Abhishek Yadav as the new Deputy General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). 

Yadav had been involved with the federation in various capacities such as the National Team Director (NTD). He also served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the India Under-17 team for the Under-17 World Cup. 

Thapa, who himself is one of the few former Indian players to be involved in football administration, is happy that a former player has been appointed in an administrative role and he believes that Yadav's expertise in the sport will benefit Indian football.

"It is very good news," Thapa told  Goal . "He (Abhishek Yadav) is perfectly capable of the job. He has a lot of knowledge of the game. Most importantly, he has been a former player. He has mixed with players and knows their mentality, their problems and everything."

Thapa, who has played for the likes of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during his playing days, feels that the variety of roles within the Indian FA that Abhishek has already carried out is proof that Abhishek is capable of carrying out such an important role.

"He has been with the Technical Committee for a long time. It is an added benefit. He has been looking after the national team. He has been with AIFF for a long time and he knows the organisation very well. This is the best that could have happened. He can advise the General Secretary and the President with sound knowledge of football."

In the capacity of the National Team Director, his role entailed the development of the national teams and players across all age groups for both men and women. Yadav was also the Head of Scouting and initiated the Sports Authority of India (SAI) – AIFF international scouting project which helped identify several key players for the 2017 U17 World Cup team.

Yadav has had a long and distinguished career in football and has represented top Indian clubs like Mahindra United, Churchill Brothers and Mumbai FC. He scored the winning goal in India’s LG Cup win in 2002, against Vietnam which remains one of the most precious moments of his playing career. He was also a member of the Indian team which participated in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

Former India international Abhishek Yadav has been appointed as the Deputy General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). 

Yadav had been involved with the federation in various capacities such as the National Team Director (NTD). He also served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the India Under-17 team for the Under-17 World Cup. 

In the capacity of the National Team Director, his role entailed the development of the national teams and players across all age groups for both men and women. Yadav was also the Head of Scouting and initiated the Sports Authority of India (SAI) – AIFF international scouting project which helped identify several key players for the 2017 U17 World Cup team.

Yadav played a key role in negotiating the contracts with the India Under-17 team when the AIFF opted to keep them together for the Arrows project.

This is one of the first instances where a former player has been entrusted with one of the top positions in the Indian FA. 

“Abhishek has done a commendable job so far and I have personally observed Abhishek grow in stature as an administrator,” AIFF President Praful Patel was quoted saying by PTI.

“I must thank AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das who has guided and given me valuable inputs throughout my time I have been involved in the AIFF set up. I also have to thank the President (Praful Patel) for supporting me in various football development initiatives,” Yadav said.

Kushal Das had high praise for Yadav’s work with the Indian FA to date and backed him to excel in his new role.

“Abhishek has really impressed in the time he has been with the AIFF, working with our scouting program and national teams. He has risen through the system with his hard work and we feel that he is well suited to such a role and has all the tools to succeed in it,” Das mentioned.

Yadav has had a long and distinguished career in Indian football and has represented the likes of Mahindra United, Churchill Brothers and Mumbai FC. He scored the winning goal in India’s LG Cup win in 2002, against Vietnam which remains one of the most distinguished moments of his playing career. He was also a member of the Indian team which participated in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has openly explained the areas Simba SC are dangerous in ahead of their Caf Champions League return leg clash on Wednesday.

The Platinum Miners will head into the fixture with a slim 1-0 advantage secured during the first meeting between the two sides played at National Sports Stadium in Harare on December 26.

Ahead of the return leg set for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Mapeza has now revealed he is aware that Simba’s strength lies in midfield and attack and as such he will strengthen the defense and his attacking line-up.

“I am aware of Simba’s resilience because I saw them play in their first game, so I know where they can hurt you most,” Mapeza told Champion as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“I know my opponents, I saw them in our last game and their biggest strength is in the midfield and then their strength is with the attacking front which is very strong.

“For me, I think it's okay even when I'm playing away because I have a chance to get results, the biggest teams in the world play away and win and at home, they also lose, I have told my youngsters how to stop them and we will attack without fear.”

His statement comes just hours after Simba Information Officer Haji Manara said they will win the game within the first 20 minutes and seal their place in the group stage.

“We will finish the game within the first 20 minutes, you know very well what happens when we play at Mkapa, several teams have suffered at the venue and Platinum will not be an exception,” Manara told reporters in Dar es Salaam ahead of the return leg.

“We have beaten AS Vita Club [of DR Congo] at Mkapa, we have beaten Al Ahly [from Egypt], we have beaten Zambia’s Nkana FC and it will be the same thing against Platinum, we will do the job in the space of 20 minutes, just watch the space, people should know this is Simba, we do what we want and it is not easy to beat us at Mkapa.”

Simba qualified for the second round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria while Platinum made it to the next round after a 4-1 aggregate win over Costa De Sol of Mozambique, winning the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goals rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.

Juventus’ hunt for another striker is leading them towards Sampdoria veteran Fabio Quagliarella, Goal has learned, with Hakan Calhanoglu off the table for the Bianconeri as he is set to remain at AC Milan.

The reigning Serie A champions are eager to add more firepower to their ranks during the winter transfer window.

Various options have been mooted for Andrea Pirlo to consider, while a number of others have been ruled out.

Diego Costa, fresh from his release at Atletico Madrid, will not be targeted by Juve despite dropping into the free agent pool and boasting the experience they are after.

Graziano Pelle is another frontman without a club who has seen a switch to Turin mooted, but he is being touted elsewhere.

That has led Pirlo and Co towards Quagliarella, who is still going strong at 37 years of age.

He has represented the Bianconeri in the past, recording 30 goals through 102 appearances between 2010 and 2014.

Pirlo played alongside a fellow Italy international during that spell and still boasts a strong relationship with a familiar face.

It could be that he is drafted into rotation plans at the Allianz Stadium, with Juve eager to land another forward as they continue to compete across multiple fronts.

It had been suggested at one stage that a raid on a different domestic rival would be launched for another proven performer in the final third.

Calhanoglu has been generating plenty of speculation as his contract at San Siro continues to run down.

No fresh terms have been agreed as yet, despite a desire on Milan’s part to get the Turkish playmaker tied to a new deal.

Various landing spots have been offered up for Calhanoglu, with a player of his ability unsurprisingly attracting interest from across Europe.

Juve would have been in the hunt were an exit door to be swung open, but it is understood that the Rossoneri will not be considering parting with a prized asset in January.

Calhanoglu is open to the idea of thrashing out a new agreement with Milan, having been on their books since 2017 and helping to inspire a title challenge this season, and patience will be shown.

That could work in Milan’s favour, as they seek to reach a compromise with the talented 26-year-old, while Juve will now turn their attention elsewhere and alternative targets such as Quagliarella.

Liverpool forward Liam Millar has completed a loan move to Charlton Athletic after signing a new contract at Anfield.

Millar, who spent the first half of the season captaining Liverpool's U23 side, will spend the next six months at The Valley working under former England and Leeds United midfielder Lee Bowyer.

The 21-year-old committed his long-term future to the Reds before joining the Addicks, and is now looking forward to testing himself in League One.

"It feels great to be a Charlton player and I'm excited to get going," Millar told Charlton's official website. 

"Charlton is a big club and you can see that just by walking around the stadium, so I'm very excited to be here.

"I spoke to the manager on the phone, he had very clear goals, stuff that I think I can come here and help with."

Millar has five goals in 14 appearances in all competitions to his name for Liverpool's reserves this term, and Bowyer is hoping the Canadian frontman can make a similar contribution for his team in the final third.

"He's an exciting player, he wants to travel with the ball and he wants to go past people, that is what we need," said the Charlton boss.

"It has been obvious, since we lost Alfie [Doughty] to injury, that we've lacked that pace to hit teams on the break and Liam is going to bring that to us as an option."

Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard added on Millar's arrival: “It was important for us to move quickly at the start of this transfer window and I am pleased that it has been a busy 24 hours.

"We wanted to add more pace to our squad and, in Liam, we have a talented young player who is well thought of at Liverpool and has real pace.

"He has international experience, which is impressive at his age, so I’m very pleased we’ve been able to add him to our squad.”

The Liverpool loanee could be in line to make his debut when Charlton play host to Accrington Stanley on Friday night.

It took East Bengal eight games to pick their first win in the Indian Super League (ISL), notching a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC earlier this week. Now, they are looking to kick on and put some points in their bag.

The Red and Golds' coach Robbie Fowler is happy with the term "monkey off your back" as he looks forward to a fresh challenge from FC Goa on Wednesday.

"It's the statement we've been trying to make all the while. We want to win games. Of course, the lads are probably in a better space now than they were probably a few weeks ago. But like I said to them, go out there and play the way you can. If we play the way we can, we're not a million miles away.

"We won a game but we won't get carried away, like when we lost a game early in the season we weren't getting carried away then. I think, in football, you need some time to get the rough off the smooth. Sometimes results go against you, sometimes they go for you. It's not a case of we're not where we want to be. The fundamental thing is, we're always working to get the right results," he said.

The Liverpool legend refused to admit that Odisha were easier opponents compared to their next two opponents in Goa and Bengaluru. However, he feels that playing two teams in a short period of time will challenge his players.

"I don't think they (Goa and Bengaluru) are tricker games. I think the only tricky part is that we're playing the games in short succession. That is football and sometimes, how fixture lists are planned out. It's not ideal for us because everyone knows what our squad is and what we're working with. Regardless of what people say, the Odisha game was a tough game. They made it difficult and sometimes when teams are at the bottom, the teams can be harder. No disrespect to any of the other teams who are playing tough games," Fowler mentioned.

Fowler, however, was not taking FC Goa lightly. But he was firm in his belief that his players have what it takes to beat Goa.

"It's a totally different game. We obviously know Goa, with the players they got, it's an incredibly tough game. All games are tough but we go into this one with a little bit of more confidence because of that result (East Bengal's 3-1 win over Odisha). At times, we've played good football and there have also been times where we could have done better in possession. It's up to the players to work things out on the pitch and we'll give them all the help leading on to the pitch and shout it out from the sidelines. 

Fowler meanwhile admitted that with the new addition of Nigerian forward Bright Enobakhare, who scored against Odisha, will give him options to tweak the squad.

"That's the good thing about having good players in the squad. So the addition of Bright obviously does give you a headache. When you have good players now, you have an option to go with different formations if you like or different personnel in the team," he remarked.

East Bengal, with six points from eight matches, are second from the bottom and have the joint-worst record (14, with Odisha) for the number of goals conceded. But that's not something that is concerning the former England international.

"It's not nice conceding goals. But the way I'm looking at it, in the first three to four games, it was the forwards having problems (converting chances). No one mentioned the defense [back then] and now all of a sudden the defense is a problem. The other day we conceded a goal in the 94th minute against a team who were fighting for their lives. You want to keep clean sheets but sometimes you have to give the opposition credit. 

"Regardless of what people say about us, we are fighting for our lives. We know that. Players will make a few mistakes because they are a little tense but we'll go into the game with that little bit of more confidence. Teams will score [against you] but the important thing is the result. If I was to go conceding two goals for the rest of the season but we win every game, I would be delighted. 

"We have to go out there every game with aspirations of winning the game. Of course, we want to challenge for the top four and we'll do it. Certainly, mathematically, it's not over. Until it is [over], we are going to give everything that we have got and show people what we are made of."

That being said, Fowler pointed out that there have been teams who have beaten Goa this season and it will be up to his men to enact their plan to do the same.

"Other teams have beaten Goa this season. We have looked that down and we have seen a little negative stuff about them (Goa). There is more positive stuff but it's not about Goa, it's how we play - what we do with the ball, how we keep possession, whether we make mistakes in the right areas.

"Of course, Goa will have a little bit of possession but then it's up to our players to work hard and get into certain areas with defenders communicating with each other. Hopefully, we will put the ball in the back of the net and give Goa something to worry about as well. So it's not all about what we are going to do to stop them from playing. We want a good result ourselves," he signed off.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says they have been subjected to a “disconcerting” situation by their hosts ahead of Tuesday’s Caf Champions League first round, second leg clash against Primeiro Agosto at 11 November Stadium.

After landing in Luanda on Sunday, Amakhosi planned to hold their first training session but were barred by Angola’s Ministry of Health.

This is despite negative coronavirus results from tests conducted upon arrival, having also produced other negative readings from tests done in South Africa.

The club says they were “locked in the hotel under heavy supervision” to make sure that they will not sneak out for training. 

But Hunt says they are undeterred by the disruption as they finally managed to have a workout at the match venue on Monday.

“We would have liked to train on Sunday, but we were not allowed,” Hunt told the Chiefs website.

“We did a bit of preparation in South Africa so the restrictions here in Luanda won’t affect us much. The situation is a bit disconcerting but that’s what you should expect when you play in this competition, so we need to be brave and play positively and hopefully score that important away goal.”

Angola has closed its borders to travellers from Australia, Nigeria, South Africa and the UK due to the Covid-19 variant that has driven a new wave of infections in those countries.

This has seen Orlando Pirates’ Caf Confederation Cup opponents Sagrada Esperanca, also from Angola, refusing to travel to South Africa for a first round, second leg match before subsequently pulling out of the tournament.

Chiefs have, however, been handed an exception which saw them being allowed entry into Angola.

After Chiefs and Agosto played to a 0-0 in the first let at FNB Stadium, a scoring draw would fire Amakhosi into the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.

Hunt has emphasised on taking an early lead to unsettle their opponents and he also says they will not be throwing striker Samir Nurkovic into the deep end as the Serb has just returned from a long injury lay-off.

“We expect Primeiro de Agosto to be a different side when they play at home, but we need to create chances and get that important away goal as quickly as we can,” said Hunt.

“It’s a big plus having Samir Nurkovic back from injury but he’s not very fit and hopefully we can get him up to speed as soon as we can. We should be careful about putting all the pressure on him, but slowly he will get back to his best.”

Barbra Banda has targeted more goals for Zambia in the Olympics, aiming to record 'solid achievements' at Tokyo 2021.

The Zambia international had found the net 18 times to clinch the golden boot in China, as Shanghai Shengli finished third in 2020.

Before her remarkable season in the Chinese Women's Super League, she was pivotal in the Copper Queens' triumph over Cameroon to seal the Olympic ticket for the first time in March.

On her return, she scored three goals as Zambia made a semi-final appearance at Cosafa Cup 2020 in South Africa and also to inspire her side to a 2-1 comeback win over Chile in December.

Reflecting on her amazing year 2020, especially the Olympic feat, she was thankful to her coaches and teammates at club and country.

"It was a great year and I am really happy with what I have achieved so far," Banda told FIFA.com. 

"I think I have improved on my finishing and I have scored more goals. Of course, my coaches and team-mates gave me a lot of help and pushed me to do my best.

"And on top of all this, I am glad about what we have done with the national team. Before the final, we all talked about making history for our country and we made it. We feel pride in making history.”

Before her 2020 move to China, the striker became the first Zambian female to earn a contract abroad in 2018 after joining Logrono, where she netted 16 goals in 28 games in Spain.

"It was a great experience in Spain. We had a great team and I had amazing teammates," 

"I learned a lot there: new tactics, systems and styles of play. I improved a lot and learned how to understand the game.

“It was hard to leave Logrono but I always want to try something new. I am happy with my performance for Shanghai.

"Praise should go to the organisers of the Chinese Women’s Super League. The competition was perfectly organised.”

Ahead of the summer's showpiece, the 20-year-old is hoping to make an impactful outing with the Copper Queens in Tokyo and set their sights on Africa Women's Cup of Nations success.

"It may be our first time to play in the Olympics, but we are not going just to make up the numbers,” she continued. 

“It is a new challenge for us and we will take it as it comes. We will take it a game at a time. If it goes our way and I score as I usually do, we are hopeful of some solid achievements.

“And I want to help Zambia to do much better in the African Women's Championship. I hope we can win the African title more than once. And, above all, I hope we can qualify for the Women's World Cup."

Uganda goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya is set to be unveiled at Tanzania Mainland League side Azam FC.

Kawowo Sports have reported the goalkeeper, who is a free agent, has already agreed to a two-year contract with the 2014 league champions. The custodian has been brought in to help the George Lwandamina-led charges to push for the title this season.

"Everything is done and goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya has completed the move to Tanzania Premier League giants Azam Football Club for a period of two years with an option of an extension," Simon Wasswa, who is the player's agent confirmed.

"It has taken a long time of discussions, patience and definitely hard work."

The 24-year-old has played for Ugandan Premier League side Bright Stars as well as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Sofapaka before leaving for Forest Rangers of Zambia in 2019.

He went on to lead the Zambia outfit to a second-place finish in the top-tier and guaranteed them a place in the Caf Champions League. The shot-stopper scooped the 2019/20 Best Goalkeeper Award but did not extend his stay at the club.

At Azam FC, the goalkeeper will be reunited with countryman Nicholas Wadada. 

Kigonga will now join striker Mpiana Mozizi who was the club's first signing in this mini transfer window.

The burly star, who arrived in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, has finally signed a one-year contract after passing a medical to join the Chamazi-based giants.

The Chamazi-based charges confirmed the striker will fill the void left by Thierry Akono.

"We are happy to announce we have completed the signing of the striker Mpiana Mozizi, on a one-year contract from FC Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," the Ice-cream Makers confirmed.

"Mozizi replaces Thierry Akono Akono, whom the club sold to Negeri Sembilan of Malaysia last weekend. Welcome home Mozizi."

Mozizi promised to help the team achieve the targets they set for the 2020-21 campaign after signing the contract.

"It is a great honour to sign for Azam, one of the biggest in Tanzania and East Africa," Mozizi told reporters after signing the deal. 

"I have always wanted to play in Tanzania and I am now happy the opportunity presented itself after Azam came in for my services.

"I know the team has set targets they want to achieve before the season ends and I am coming in to help them reach some of the targets, we will continue to fight for every trophy that is available and I will work hard to score as many goals as possible."

Olivier Giroud feels he has been “disrespected” and “underrated” over the course of his career, but the Chelsea striker accepts that he is never going to win favour with everybody.

The France international is a World Cup winner and a proven Premier League performer with over 100 goals for Arsenal and 37 for his current employers to his name.

He has won major silverware with club and country, with success enjoyed in his homeland and England, and is still going strong at 34 years of age.

Giroud has, however, been a divisive figure at times, with his qualities not always being universally appreciated.

His value has been recognised at Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge, but those on the outside looking in have questioned his contribution to any given cause.

As he approaches the veteran stage of his career, Giroud accepts that – as a burly frontman most at home when leading the line as a No.9 – he is not going to win over everyone.

He has learned to accept that, with criticism being shrugged off as part and parcel of life at the very highest level.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody gets disrespected,” Giroud, who has sparked exit talk at Chelsea again this season, told Stadium Astro.

“There is nobody who will be praised by everybody. You know it is part football, part of the game.

“Sometimes people want other players to play. I understand that with that experience and I’m okay with that.

“Maybe sometimes I am underrated but the most important thing is the numbers. For a striker that is what matters.

“As long as I am efficient for the club team and Les Bleus and making my family proud, the rest I concede.”

Giroud has worked his way back into favour at Chelsea over recent weeks, with his goal tally for the campaign taken to nine, and he is enjoying working under Blues legend Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge – despite questions being asked of an inexperienced coach during struggles for consistency.

“It’s nice to have a younger manager,” said Giroud, who has been on the books in west London since January 2018.

“He is still learning through his career but has already got a lot of qualities to manage a team. He has got good ideas.

“It’s always nice to have a manager who was a big player and who has won a lot things and can help you to improve.”

Paul Ince claims the “jury’s still out” on Bruno Fernandes when it comes to comparisons with Eric Cantona as the Manchester United talisman needs a title triumph in order to join such illustrious company.

A Portuguese star of the present is doing his best to follow in the footsteps of a French icon at Old Trafford.

He has been a revelation through the first 12 months of his time in England, with United looking to him for inspiration in times of need.

Fernandes has bettered Cantona when it comes to end product through his first 30 games in the Premier League, with the 26-year-old boasting 33 goal involvements so far.

Those efforts have helped the Red Devils to a top-four finish and into contention for a first Premier League crown in eight years, but Ince says major silverware is required in order to rub shoulders with the elite.

The former United midfielder told Sky Sports of the Cantona comparisons: “Eric could do absolutely everything. It was just those moments where you had to win the game. People were chasing us and we did not win the title by a lot.

“Much-needed goals. You know, those moments when you start to worry, start to panic, and the game is not going your way and you don't know where the goal is coming from. That is when he would pop up and score a vital goal.

“I think that is probably the same with Fernandes. He scores vital goals.

“I think he was very impressive when he first came. He hit the ground running. This year, I don't think he has been as impressive but he is still a major factor in the team. He is still the talisman.

“Sometimes you might not see him for 25 minutes but he has always got that technical ability to do something magic at the right time. Whether it is a penalty, a wonderful ball, a free-kick, he has always got that in his locker so you can never rule him out of any game.

“The players love him and he has got a character about him. We talk about character all the time and how we are losing that trait in football. But there was a time when I watched him have a go at [Victor] Lindelof. He puts demands on players.

“For someone to come from a foreign country, Portugal, to a club like Manchester United and put demands on his players. He is a winner and it is infectious.”

While saluting Fernandes’ efforts through a memorable first year in Manchester, Ince added on claims that the Portugal international is already standing alongside Cantona: “The jury's still out.

“Cantona came into a team who were under pressure to win the title. Manchester United, this year, are not under the pressure to win the title. We didn't expect them to be up there challenging the likes of Liverpool and [Man] City.

“But now the pressure's on because they feel they can win the title. That's the mark of a top top player - what he does when it actually matters. Listen, I'm not saying that's going to be the case, he's certainly got the qualities to do it.”

Manchester United are "onto a good thing" with Eric Bailly if he can steer clear of injuries, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Bailly has endured mixed fortunes at Old Trafford since completing a £30 million ($41m) move from Villarreal in June 2016.

The Ivory Coast international helped the Red Devils win a Europa League and League Cup double in his first season but has since been unable to hold down a regular spot in the team due to fitness issues.

He only made four Premier League appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in 2019-20 and fell behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the squad pecking order.

However, Bailly as enjoyed something of a mini-resurgence since returning to the starting XI in December.

Solskjaer has named the 26-year-old in his line-up in each of United's last four games across all competitions, including a 2-1 home win over Aston Villa last Friday.

Bailly's importance was underlined when his last-minute block prevented Villa from scoring an equaliser, and he was mobbed by his relieved team-mates after the final whistle.

Ferdinand thinks the centre-back has all the qualities to slot in alongside Maguire in the long-term, but he still has some doubts over his physical condition.

"A big thing that has gone under the radar is Eric Bailly," the United legend said on his YouTube channel FIVE.

"He’s added a little bit of pace and steeliness to that back four. My only issue with Eric Bailly has always been his fitness, he can never stay fit. 

"He’s always injured or a game away from an injury, and that’s a problem. You don’t get that consistency of performance or get to know each other.

"I think Maguire needs pace next to him, he has other attributes but pace isn’t one of them. In the modern game, to have two centre-backs who aren’t electric quick, you’ve got a problem.

"Bailly has good attributes, he’s quick and aggressive. If he can cut the silly mistakes out which he had previously and gets away from injuries and gets a clean bill of health, I think Manchester United are onto a good thing."

The Red Devils latest victory saw them move level on points with reigning champions Liverpool at the top of the table,  and they still have a game in hand to take in against Burnley on January 12.

Ferdinand thinks Solskjaer's men are capable of mounting a realistic title challenge, having discovered a consistent streak over the last couple of months which had previously been lacking.

He added: "Whenever I spoke about Man United, the first thing I always said was we weren’t lacking quality, personalities or the right type of characters, it was simply a lack of consistency, we didn’t have it.

"We all know [Paul] Pogba, [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and [Mason] Greenwood can be top players on their day. But were we doing it as collective on a consistent basis?

"The only way to win titles is if you have that word in your armoury: consistency. Last ten games, what they’ve done has been fantastic. It’s title-winning form. They’ve got to continue that."

Liverpool will surrender their Premier League title in 2021 “if they don’t buy a centre-back”, says Jamie Carragher, with the Reds warned they have had “nowhere near enough” of late.

The defending champions remain at the top of the table 17 games into the defence of a crown they claimed in record-breaking style last season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have, however, seen the chasing pack close in - with Manchester United level on points while boasting a game in hand, while Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester City are all within striking distance.

Injuries have been an issue for Liverpool throughout the current campaign, particularly at the back, while an uncharacteristic lack of firepower has led to points to being dropped in their last three fixtures.

Carragher wants Klopp to act on that by dipping into the transfer market for another proven defender, with the Anfield legend warning that there will be a serious price to pay for any lack of movement in January.

He told Sky Sports on the back of a 1-0 defeat away at Southampton: “I can't see Liverpool winning the league if they don't buy a centre-back. 

“I said that after the Everton game when [Virgil] van Dijk was injured but I think it's a really tough ask if they don't bring anyone in.

“The fact they played Jordan Henderson at centre-back is not going to do a lot for the two lads on the bench [Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips] and their confidence if they have two midfielders playing there. Henderson is not a centre-back. He did well, but it's not his position.”

Since hammering Crystal Palace 7-0 prior to Christmas, Liverpool have mustered just seven attempts on goal in their last three outings.

It took them 75 minutes to trouble Fraser Forster at St Mary’s, with Carragher concerned by the direction in which performances are heading.

He added: “I did not see that coming, I expected a reaction from Liverpool on the back of two really poor performances. We have just seen another one.

“Liverpool's away form this season is so poor. When it comes to chances created, they have not looked like scoring, even tonight again. Did Fraser Forster have to make a good save, a big save? Did anyone miss a real chance where they had to score?

“That is a really big worry for Liverpool at the moment, in terms of what they are creating away from home. It is nowhere near enough.”

Carragher went on to say: “At times I watch them and think where is the goal coming from.

“Look at what has happened since the Manchester City game in terms of actual goals. Yes, there was the freak result against Crystal Palace but look at chances created from open play. Last season's average was 10 from open play. But they are not creating what you would associate with a top team this season.

“Look at the average chances created from open play away from home and they are down in seventh. When you are a top team like Liverpool you should be in the top two or three for everything offensively.

“The big problem for me, if you go back to the last game against Newcastle, yes, [Mohamed] Salah missed chances and Mane missed chances, but if they don't score then who else is going to score?

“Take out the Crystal Palace game and nobody else has scored away from home for Liverpool who was available. The other one is Diogo Jota who scored against Brighton.”

Hoffenheim have confirmed Kevin Akpoguma will spend time on the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury against Freiburg.

The 25-year-old only featured for 17 minutes in their 3-1 victory over the Breisgau Brazilians in a Bundesliga encounter on January 2.

Akpoguma was forced off in the match and was replaced by Robert Skov after he suffered a muscle and tendon injury in his left thigh.

Hoffenheim have now confirmed the Nigeria international will be out of action for a number of weeks as he recovers from the problem along with Sebastian Rudy.

“Sebastian Rudy suffered a strain in the inner ligament and bone oedema in his left knee in the game against SC Freiburg. Fortunately, not a more complicated knee injury, as initially feared,” read a statement from the club website.

“Kevin Akpoguma sustained a muscle and tendon injury in his left thigh. Both TSG professionals are out for the time being. Get well soon guys!”

Akpoguma has been with the Hoffenheim since 2013 when he teamed up with the club from Karlsruher but has spent most of his time on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Hannover 96.

Last season, however, he featured prominently for Sebastian Hoeneb’s men as they finished sixth in the Bundesliga.

In the current campaign, the centre-back has made 19 appearances across all competitions for his side to help them to their current 13th position in the league.

Hoffenheim will take on Schalke 04 in their next league game on January 9 without the Super Eagles defender.

Akpoguma has made two appearances for the Nigeria national team since he made his debut against Algeria in October.

The centre-back has previously played for Germany in the U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 divisions before he made his switch to the West African side. 

The defender will be expected to be back from his injury problems before Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have urged their players to start the second round of the Mainland Premier League as if they have not won a game in this campaign.

The Jangwani giants opened their second-round campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania Prisons in a match played at Nelson Mandela Stadium to extend their unbeaten start.

However, the club’s vice-chairman, Fredrick Mwakalebela, has said the leadership and technical bench have met with the players to urge them to forget the results of the first round to start with new pace in the second round.

“Our strategy is to start the second round faster, we have already talked to our players to forget the results of the first round and now look at the second round to make sure every match we get three points,” Mwakalebela said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“What we are looking for is to start the second round as if we do not have points, that will help a lot to achieve our set targets for the season.

“The fans are trying hard to show up on the field and they have been supporting us, so the players have a debt to pay them which is nothing but to win the major league title.”

Mwakalebela continued: “If the leadership is doing its job well, we will make sure we give the players everything on time so they can do well and win the championship.”

Yanga, who are leading the 18-team table with 44 points from 18 matches, have now shifted their focus to the Mapinduzi Cup which will kick-off on Tuesday in Zanzibar.

The annual competition will kick-off on January 5 to 13 and has attracted top teams from the Mainland Premier League including Simba SC, Azam FC, and defending champions Mtibwa Sugar.

Yanga have already named a squad of 20 players for the tournament with Kenyan keeper Farouk Shikhalo making the cut alongside Angolan winger Carlos Carlinhos, who is returning from injury after missing most of the first-round matches in the league.

The Jangwani giants under coach Cedric Kaze, will, however, miss the services of their captain Lamine Moro and Balama Mapinduzi who are both out injured.

Other players will miss the tournament because they are currently with the Tanzania national team in Cameroon for the Chan tournament and these include Feisal, Kaseke, Yasin Mustapha, Farid Mussa, Bakari Mwamnyeto, and Ditram Nchimbi.

Goal also understands striker Yacoub Songne will not make the trip to Zanzibar because of injury and will thus miss the one-week tournament.

Songne, who is the current Yanga top scorer with four goals and has provided a total of four assists, injured his leg during the league match against Ihefu where they won 3-0, at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

Yanga will start the tournament with a clash against Jamhuri FC at 2.15 pm on Tuesday.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele says Amakhosi are determined to use the Caf Champions League as a springboard to get their season back on track.

He also says that success in Africa would help erase the memories of last season when the Soweto side was pipped to the domestic league title by Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day of the 2019/20 campaign.

Looking to book their spot in the Champions League group phase, the Glamour Boys need a score draw or a victory against Angolan champions Primeiro de Agosto at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Tuesday evening.

"Everybody is aware of the importance of this game and everybody is aware that we need to start the new year with a win and carry on from there,” said Mphahlele, who has been skippering the side of late.

“Everybody is in the same boat, we know it's important to get through to the group stage so we can compete with the best of Africa.

"The guys are looking forward to it,” he continued. “We've spoken about it since last season - as much as we didn't win the league, but the team is in the Champions League which is something we really want to explore. And the coach is prepared to go the extra mile in this competition."

Having ended 2020 with a 0-0 draw against Primeiro de Agosto in Johannesburg, which left them with just three wins from 14 matches in all competitions this season, Chiefs are determined to come out firing in the new year.

"We know it's a very important game for us and we started training last year already preparing for this game. The team is looking good, the boys came back (from the break) and were looking sharp,” Mphahlele said.

"We know it's going to be very difficult. As much as we had a good game against them at home, I think we should have won easily. But it is what it is. It's a whole new game now because they are playing at home and they are going to come at us.

"But I think we have a big chance to go to the group stage and that is what we came here for.”

Chiefs will be hoping that the return of Samir Nurkovic to the squad will help them solve their goalscoring challenges.

But while Nurkovic is back, two veterans – goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Willard Katsande, have not traveled to Angola.

The match is set for a 4 pm kick-off, Angolan time, which is 5 pm in South Africa.