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Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah has revealed new Brazilian signing Fabio Gama Dos Santos has finally been cleared to make his first appearance for the club.

Snapped up in October, the 28-year-old has had to bide his time for a maiden outing in the colours of the Kumasi-based outfit due to work permit issues.

He penned a two-year deal, following in the footsteps of countrymen Gleisson de Souza Ferreira and Hermes da Silva to sign for Kotoko in recent times. 

"Fabio Gama was supposed to be a direct replacement for [Matthew] Anim Cudjoe because we would not sign him," Amponsah told Oyerepa FM on Saturday. "The only problem is with his work permit, but we have been able to get Gama's work permit and he is available to play against Al Hilal in Sudan [in the Caf Champions League on January 6].

"We have all been yearning to get a creative player in the team, and Gama is there to provide that. We needed someone to hold on to the ball and get things done for us."

Amponsah also shed light on the recent sacking of head coach Maxwell Konadu following a 1-0 home loss to Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League.

Media reports after Konadu's dismissal were that Amponsah had fallen out with his club's board in connection with the coach's exit.

"I made a mistake in sacking Maxwell Konadu because I did not officially write to inform the board," Amponsah admitted. "I admit I am wrong and I accept that.

"Maxwell Konadu's record at Kotoko was not bad but it was time for him to go and other big clubs in the world have done that, but I again admit I was wrong for not informing the board."

Amponsah took over the reigns of Kotoko CEO in August with a mandate to "restore glory".

"Asante Kotoko are in a good state. I have said that the phase of Kotoko will change and I am still working towards that," Amponsah added. "Rome was not built in a day. I know with time, we will get there. I have a task to complete and I am convinced I will achieve our mandate."

Kotoko last won the Ghana Premier League in 2014 and the Caf Champions League in 1983.

Bruno Fernandes became the first Portuguese player to score 10 goals in a Premier League season since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008-09, but it was not enough to seal a win for Manchester United at Leicester City.

Fernandes, who teed up Marcus Rashford's opener at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day, thought he had secured the points for United when he struck home after latching onto Edinson Cavani's pass with 11 minutes remaining.

It took Fernandes onto double figures in league goals for the season.

That made him the first player from Portugal to score 10 or more in a single campaign in England's top flight since former United star Ronaldo did so in 2008-09, when the winger netted 18 times.

Fernandes has had a direct hand in over half of United's Premier League goals since his debut (31/60), scoring 18 and assisting a further 13.

Although Fernandes has commanded plenty of headlines since making the move to Old Trafford from Sporting CP, he was quick to praise his team-mates for the part they play.

"I enjoy it, I have a good team around me and they helped me since the beginning,” Fernandes told BBC Sport . “They give me confidence and, when you have that support behind you, you feel better.

"We are looking to win games. If you focus on other teams you don't focus on what you can do."

Cavani, meanwhile, has now been directly involved in five top-flight goals as a substitute this season (three goals and two assists), two more than any other player. 

However, United, who were looking to match Chelsea and Manchester City's record of 11 consecutive away Premier League victories, were pegged back for a second time in the 85th minute – Jamie Vardy sweeping in via a deflection from Ayoze Perez's cross.

The strike looked set to take Vardy onto 44 Premier League goals since Brendan Rodgers took over at Leicester – more than any other player in the league in that time.

Indeed, only Luis Suarez (54) has scored more times under the Northern Irishman than Vardy has managed so far.

However, Vardy did not get the goal, with the dubious goals panel officially putting it down as an Axel Tuanzebe own goal.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Victor Lindelof may require an operation in a bid to remedy a back problem.

The Sweden defender has been nursing a back problem for some time, and went off injured just after the hour mark of the 2-2 draw with Leicester on Boxing Day.

With games coming in rapid fashion, there is no time for players to have any rest and Solskjaer has suggested intervention may be required in a bid to get the defender back to full fitness.

“He is struggling with his back,” Solskjaer told BT Sport . “He has been struggling for a little while so we might have to do something. Let’s see what it is.”

United twice led at the King Power Stadium through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, but Harvey Barnes and an Axel Tuanzebe own goal denied the Red Devils three points.

Solskjaer felt his side should have taken the three points, and was disappointed with their failure to convert the chances created.

“Of course I was disappointed not to win,” the Norwegian said. “We had loads of chances and could have finished it off but they are a dangerous side.”

Rashford’s goal, which was a milestone moment , came after he missed a gilt-edged chance when heading over from six yards, but his manager felt it was unfortunate the England man did not score.

“It was a good goal,” Solskjaer said of Rashford’s finish. “He knows the first chance is a glorious one. It seems like he finished his header before the ball arrived. Just one of those things.”

United go to the well again on Tuesday with a home meeting with Wolves, and Solskjaer feels the extra day’s rest could work to their advantage.

“We have a game in three days; we have an extra recovery day which we will use wisely,” he said.

Reflecting on the draw that leaves them in third, a point behind Leicester, Solskjaer said: "One point is not the best but it is not the worst as this is a very good side we came up against.”

The Red Devils have 27 points, four adrift of leaders and defending champions Liverpool - with both having played 14 games.

Wolves players have been blocked from going to the supermarket as the club aims to limit their risk of contracting coronavirus.

Some Premier League clubs have been allowed to welcome fans back to grounds over recent weeks, as the United Kingdom government moved to a four-tier system.

However, with large swathes of the country now back under stricter restrictions as infection rates rise, only Liverpool and Everton are allowed to welcome home fans to their matches.

Only one Premier League match this season has had to be postponed due to Covid-19, with Newcastle United's squad having been unable to attend their training ground ahead of a clash with Aston Villa due to an outbreak within the group.

The league is now reverting to twice-a-week testing as the fixture list becomes more and more congested, and Wolves have taken steps to reduce their players' exposure.

"It is about protecting ourselves," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "Since the beginning of the pandemic, our staff in the kitchen put together a big box of the basic things that we need and during the high moment of the pandemic, everybody had it.

"As it started to improve, we said: 'OK, now you are free to go and do your own shopping.'

"But now the levels are increasing and there is the new variation that everybody is worried about, we started to do it again. So the players and their families are not going to the supermarkets.

"It is about protecting ourselves. There are so many people to take care of us."

Wolves have been in indifferent form and lost to Burnley last time out. They take on Tottenham on Sunday, with Nuno going up against his former manager in Jose Mourinho. 

“It will be a pleasure to receive him in Molineux again," he said. "I have huge admiration, as you can imagine, for Mourinho, on a personal level and as a manager. It’s fantastic, so I’m not surprised at all with all the good things that he’s doing at Tottenham. I’m not surprised at all. It’s amazing.

“We expect a very tough game. We must get ready for it because we’re going to face a tough opponent, a talented squad, in a good moment. Let’s enjoy and play the game.”

Manchester United's 10-game winning streak away from home in the Premier League came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City on Saturday. 

United looked like they would equal Chelsea and Manchester City's record of 11 consecutive victories when Bruno Fernandes put them ahead 11 minutes from time after Harvey Barnes had earlier cancelled out Marcus Rashford's opener. 

Jamie Vardy ensured a share of the spoils five minutes from time, though, turning home via a deflection off substitute Axel Tuanzebe, who was later credited with the own goal.

The result means United remain one point behind second-place Leicester and four behind leaders Liverpool, who play West Brom on Sunday.

Rashford was guilty of a glaring miss after just 71 seconds, inexplicably heading over from six yards following Fernandes' lofted cross.

The England international made amends in the 23rd minute, though, coolly slotting home his 50th Premier League goal from 12 yards after Fernandes had diverted Daniel James' pass into his path.

Leicester restored parity eight minutes later, Barnes lashing past De Gea from outside the penalty area after Fernandes had given possession away cheaply.

Kasper Schmeichel denied a clean-through Rashford shortly before the hour mark, while Anthony Martial saw an effort disallowed for offside as United looked most likely to score again after the restart.

They did forge ahead in the 79th minute, Fernandes sliding past Schmeichel after being played in by substitute Edinson Cavani, the Uruguyan's fifth goal involvement off the bench this season – two more than any other player.

Vardy had the final say, however, bundling home via Tuanzebe after he had been picked out in the area by Ayoze Perez.

What does it mean? Spoils shared in low-quality affair

United will be disappointed to not have held on for maximum points, but a draw was probably a fair result given the marked lack of quality throughout.

Both sides are still well poised to challenge Liverpool at the summit, although Jurgen Klopp's side can open a six-point advantage over the Foxes if they overcome the Baggies on Sunday.

Fernandes once again United's main man

Fernandes gave possession away a whopping 24 times – the joint-highest tally of any player on the pitch – but the former Sporting CP man continues to make things happen in front of goal. He teed up Rashford's opener and then put United ahead with his 10th Premier League goal of the season, becoming the first Portuguese to reach that total since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008-09.

James squanders rare chance

He was rewarded with a fifth Premier League start of the season following his goal against Leeds United last weekend, but James was dismal on the right side of United's attack. He lost possession 13 times – the most of any United player at the time he was hauled off for Paul Pogba in the 54th minute – while he won just one of his 10 duels and failed to have a single shot.

Key Opta Facts

- Manchester United are unbeaten in their past 14 away Premier League games (W11 D3) – their longest such run since January 2011 (16 games). 
- Leicester City have conceded 191 top-flight goals against Manchester United – only versus Arsenal (206) have they shipped more. 
- United are the first side to score two or more goals in 11 consecutive top-flight away games since United did so themselves in March 1959 (13 games). 
- Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has failed to win 10 of his 12 Premier League encounters with Man Utd in the Premier League as a manager (W2 D1 L9).

What's next?

United welcome Wolves to Old Trafford on Tuesday, while the Foxes have a quick turnaround for their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.

Marcus Rashford became the third-youngest player to score 50 Premier League goals for Manchester United as he opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Saturday.

Having missed a great chance in the opening minutes when he headed over from Bruno Fernandes' cross, Rashford slotted home his sixth league goal of the season to put United 1-0 up against the Foxes.

Aged 23 years and 56 days, Rashford is behind only Wayne Rooney (22 years and 157 days) and Cristiano Ronaldo (22 years 341 days) in terms of the youngest United players to reach a half-century of Premier League goals.

Rashford's opener – which was set up by Fernandes, who has been directly involved in over half of United's Premier League goals since his debut (31/59), scoring 18 and assisting a further 13 – also saw the Red Devils open the scoring in an away game in the top flight for the first time since July 26, also against Leicester.

Comebacks have become a speciality and a necessity of late for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side thanks to an unwanted tendency to concede the first goal.

United's lead lasted just eight minutes, however, as Harvey Barnes thumped in a brilliant equaliser for Brendan Rodgers' team.

Fernandes played his part again, conceding possession in United's defensive third, with Barnes ensuring the visitors were punished. The winger has scored seven goals in 20 games in all competitions this season, equalling his tally from the 2019-20 campaign (seven in 42 appearances).

Fernandes made amends late on with a tidy finish from Edinson Cavani's through ball, making him the first Portuguese player since Ronaldo to score 10 Premier League goals in a season. However, United were pegged back shortly after as Jamie Vardy netted a deft finish of his own to share the points.

Rashford still has a way to go to match Rooney and Ronaldo's eventual goal tallies. Rooney scored 183 Premier League goals for United, with Ronaldo netting 84 before his world-record move to Real Madrid.

Earlier in the week, manager Solskjaer said he thought Rashford could go on to become a United legend.

"Marcus is talented enough and grounded enough and driven enough to be a legend at this club," he told reporters.

"I have to say his statistics already show his contribution. In and around the dressing room as well, he is a Man Utd boy through and through."

Undeniably, Hakim Ziyech’s transfer to Chelsea excited the entire Blues fanbase, owing to the Morocco superstar’s exploits at Ajax, especially in the previous two seasons and a bit.

The Wizard of Amsterdam was pivotal in the Dutch giants’ Champions League run in 2018/19, with his ingenuity and end product prompting praise from observers.

As such, the announcement in February made followers of the club look forward to the 2020/21 campaign, which was still months away and despite being locked in a battle to end in the automatic CL spots.

Fast forward to the start of this season and those expectations have been matched with solid performances for the North African.

Despite a stop-start few months at Cobham, largely due to injury, Ziyech has been one of the club’s top players this season and arguably the best signing for the new season (Thiago Silva may have a thing or two to say about this, though) and ought to play a huge part in the side’s pursuit for consistency domestically and a return to prominence in Europe in the New Year.

Ziyech: The story of 2020

The cancellation of the Eredivisie in April, owing to the pandemic, meant Ziyech couldn’t play out his final campaign in the Netherlands to its climax, which infuriated the former Twente attacking midfielder.

He had a few choice words to say about the decision to curtail the campaign with Erik ten Hag’s side joint-top at the time along with AZ Alkmaar on 56 points with nine games to play.

Even though the giants had seen standards slip a bit in 19/20, the wide playmaker was second for assists (12) behind teammate Dusan Tadic (14) while he’d scored six times before the league’s suspension and eventual nullification.

This, as well as Ajax’s early elimination in the Europa League, allowed Ziyech to join up with the Chelsea squad sooner than expected, seemingly keen on smooth integration into Frank Lampard’s side.

Unfortunately, the 27-year-old suffered an early setback before the start of the season, with an injury in the West Londoners only pre-season game at Brighton & Hove Albion preventing him from featuring in the club’s first few games of 20/21.

Upon his return, however, the Wizard of Amsterdam has begun to justify his nickname with a series of solid showings in the Premier League, with a majestic performance vs Sheffield United a major highlight thus far.

Sadly for the Ziyech, another injury struck against Leeds United in early December, ruling out the maverick for a few weeks and it remains to be seen whether he’ll feature again this year.

Ziyech: Any transfer rumours?

Definitely not. Having just signed for the Blues, only a disastrous turn of events on and off the pitch will lead to transfer links away from the club.

Ziyech: One big ambition for 2021

Certainly for the playmaker to stay fit in Chelsea’s quest to close the gap on defending champions Liverpool in the PL, challenge in the latter stages of the FA Cup and, most importantly, compete better in the Champions League after failing to progress beyond the first knockout round since 2013/14.

Lampard’s side look a more threatening force with Ziyech in the team and the former Ajax man has been the most impressive of the club’s attacking arrivals this summer.

Ziyech: One big fear for 2021

In a congested season with several fixtures crammed into the calendar, the badly-timed niggling injuries to the playmaker could continue to hamper Chelsea’s chances of reining in Liverpool and improving in Europe.

With Timo Werner struggling for form and Kai Havertz still adapting to the English game, the North African’s absence at key times could slow the Blues down.

Failure to end in the top four — the competition looks really tight this season — will be a disaster for Lampard who was backed in the summer window and will bring up doubts over the 21/22 campaign.

Playing at Anfield gives Premier League leaders Liverpool "power", according to Japanese forward Takumi Minamino. 

The champions have gone 66 top-flight games without defeat at home – a club record – and have triumphed in all seven of their matches at Anfield during the 2020-21 season. 

The Reds' last loss at home in the Premier League came in April 2017 when Crystal Palace claimed a 2-1 victory courtesy of a brace from former player Christian Benteke. 

It was a Palace side managed by Sam Allardyce, who brings West Brom to Merseyside on Sunday.

Minamino, who joined the champions from RB Salzburg in January, is at a loss to explain why they are so dominant on home turf, but claims there is something special about playing at Anfield.

"When we play at Anfield, I don't know the reason, but we always feel that we can win. I don't know why," he told the club's official website .

"The stadium always gives us power. It is very sad that we can't have [more] fans in the stadium. I hope they can come back to see our play as soon as possible."

Minamino has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, starting just two games and coming off the substitutes' bench on six occasions. 

He has netted just one goal in those appearances – opening the scoring in a  7-0 win over Palace last weekend with a goal he described as instinctive  – and has failed to create any chances for his team-mates.

Liverpool face West Brom on Sunday before taking on Newcastle United on Wednesday and Minamino is expecting boss Jurgen Klopp to give him an opportunity to impress. 

"I am looking forward to it very much," he added. "Because there are two games in a week, I will have more chances to play games and I am happy about it. 

"We suffer a lot of injuries now, so a player like me needs to work harder for the team. I would like to prepare myself well and achieve a result if I am given a chance."

Following the trip to Newcastle, Liverpool welcome in 2021 with a visit to St Mary’s to face Southampton.

Christian Pulisic is flattered by comparisons with Eden Hazard, but the Chelsea winger says his game is not modelled on any one player.

The United States international is working his way back to full fitness following a frustrating spell with injuries, and he impressed Paul Scholes during Chelsea’s loss at Wolves earlier in the month .

“He’s a good player, isn’t he?” Scholes told Amazon Prime . “The number of times they got the ball into him. [Ben] Chilwell as well has been a threat they’ve got a link down that side with Mason Mount. But this lad, Pulisic, he looks the closest thing to Eden Hazard.

"He’s got a little turn of pace, his centre of gravity is low, he can weave past people and he’s creative."

Hazard elevated his career to great heights during his time at Chelsea, and Pulisic is aware of the Real Madrid forward's achievements at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s a huge compliment,” Pulisic told Chelsea’s official website . “As I’ve said before, Hazard was a huge player for this club and I’ll never try and compare myself to him, but coming from a guy like Paul Scholes it’s a big compliment.

“There’s no one obvious player I model my game on. I like to take a lot of things from different players. I’ve learnt a lot from Hazard’s game, from watching him and watching his highlights, and there’s a lot of players like that. I’m trying to learn every day.”

While predominantly a left winger, Hazard can operate on the other flank as well as through the middle, and Pulisic is happy to adapt to whatever role is asked of him by Blues boss Frank Lampard.

“I’ve played on both wings a lot,” Pulisic said. “I can be very effective on the left wing but there are also a lot of good things I can do on the right.

“I’m learning to play both and I’m comfortable with both and anywhere in the attacking half. When I get the ball I like to think that I can still be dangerous.”

Pulisic says his aim for the remainder of the season is to stay free from injury and work his way back to top form.

“It’s not been easy,” Pulisic said. “I had a very tough couple of months coming back and forth from injuries, but I’m doing absolutely everything that I can to be on the pitch because that’s where I want to be playing. Right now I’m feeling great so I’m blessed and happy about that. I’m just hoping it continues.

“In the last couple of games, I’m starting to feel like myself again and my confidence is getting higher so I’m feeling good.

“My aims for the season are just to stay fit, be able to perform throughout the game and be available for my team in every single possible game that I can. If that can happen I think I can help my team and we can have a really good season.”

Namungo FC coach Hemedi Morocco has explained he had to start Burundi striker Bigirimana Blaise from the bench against El Hilal Obayed for tactical reasons.

The striker has been one of the most consistent performers for the 2019/20 FA Cup finalists and many expected him to start against the Sudanese outfit in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup, but that was not the case.

"It was simply a tactical move," Morocco told reporters on why he did not start the towering striker.

"When [Bigirimana] came in, he showed his potential, what he is capable of doing. I do not have any other reason for him to start from the bench."

In the game played in Tanzania on Wednesday, Namungo, who are making their debut in the competition, started the match on a high. 

It took the hosts just 15 minutes to get their first goal. Sixtus Sabilo scored after a good move from the teammates. 

The Tanzanian outfit pushed for the second goal and they managed to get it courtesy of in-form striker Stephen Sey. 

Neither of the two teams could get another goal, especially in the second half despite the many chances created.

"We approached the game cautiously knowing that our opponents are also a good team. That is why in the early minutes of the first half we played with tension," Morocco continued.

"I think we deserved to win because we created more scoring chances as compared to them. It was a fair game on our part."

The tactician has further revealed he will have to watch the game again and correct where his team might have gone wrong despite the win.

"We will have another look at the game, see where we did right and where we went wrong. 

"We want to ensure we do not want to give our opponents a chance for a comeback."  

A draw will also be enough for the Tanzanian Mainland League outfit to make it to the final preliminary round.  

The Tanzanian outfit qualified for the second round of the competition after Al Rabita were disqualified owing to the violation of regulations by the latter. 

The South Sudanese federation failed to secure the tickets for matchday officials as required, and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) had no option but to hand the visitors a walkover. 

In the first leg, Namungo had won 3-0 and stood a better chance of advancing. 

Brendan Rodgers has labelled Wilfred Ndidi as ‘irreplaceable’ thanks to his impressive outing in Leicester City’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on December 20.

The Nigeria international who recently returned from an adductor injury was a cog in the midfield of the Foxes as goals from Jamie Vardy and Toby Alderweireld silenced Jose Mourinho’s men before their home fans.

As Leicester prepare to take on Odion Ighalo’s Manchester United in Saturday’s Boxing Day fixture at the King Power Stadium, the Northern Irish manager has showered encomium on the former Genk man who has impressed over recent weeks.

"I’ve said before, he’s irreplaceable," Rodgers told the  club website.

"There are lots of good players that we have that can do that job, but we don’t have anyone that can do it to the level that he does.

"His reading of the game, his agility… all the numbers after the [Spurs] game show how good he is in covering space, but it’s also the confidence he gives to the other players.

"He was immense in the game, against a really good midfield. If you think of [Moussa] Sissoko and [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg that were in there, he was absolutely outstanding."

The Foxes are second in the English top-flight log – four points behind leaders Liverpool – and victory for the Red Devils on Filbert Way would prove very pivotal in their title challenge, nevertheless, Rodgers described his belief that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men could be challengers this term.

"There’s sometimes a narrative around Manchester United," he continued.

"At those big clubs, with huge expectations, if you lose a game, it’s a disaster.

"Of course, they’ll be disappointed with going out of the Champions League because the history of the club has been built on the great success they’ve had in Europe.

"We’re not even halfway, we’re 14 games in. They’ve only played 13 and they’re a club that’s expected to be up there. It’s such a long, long season still to go."

Ndidi, 24, has been a consistent performer for the English outfit since he teamed up with the club from Belgium in 2017.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he has only made eight appearances across all competitions for the Foxes, including six in the English top-flight due to his injury problems.

Mikel Arteta says Chelsea have the strongest squad in the Premier League.

Arsenal host Frank Lampard’s side on Boxing Day hoping to turn around their miserable start to the 2020-21 season.

Arteta’s side are 15th, just four points above the relegation zone. Last season’s FA Cup success is a distant memory and the Spaniard is aware of the challenge his side are facing against the Blues.

“Chelsea always have a great squad of great players,” Arteta said. “The team that we faced a few months ago [in the FA Cup final] was a top one.

“In this moment, you're probably talking about the strongest squad in the Premier League. They're doing a really good job, Frank is doing a really good job.

“He's got a team full of belief and confidence, and even though they had some defeats, they got back to winning and it's a team that is going to be fighting for the top spot in the league for sure.”

Arsenal have taken just one point from their last five league games and Arteta’s coaching is coming under more scrutiny with every disappointing result.

He thinks his side have deserved more than they have taken from some games, but he admits his team needs to improve ‘dramatically’.

“We are trying to respond every week, and for different reasons we are not picking up results.

“It happened last week against Burnley, a game we should be winning, it happened against Southampton, it happened against Everton... we have to turn things around.

“Whether it's bad luck or these things that are affecting our results, they have to change dramatically. Those margins make it very difficult to win football matches in the Premier League. We have the opportunity on a very special day here at home against Chelsea, so let's do it.”

Arteta has said a win over Chelsea would be ‘the best medicine’ for Arsenal’s current ailments but there is no escaping the reality of the league table.

Following the Chelsea game, Arsenal play Brighton and West Brom, two of the teams just below them in the Premier League, before kicking off the defence of their FA Cup crown with a third-round tie against Newcastle.

Retired Tanzanian footballers Ally Mayay and Moses Mkandawile have explained how Simba SC can overcome Platinum FC in the Caf Champions League return leg.

The match will be held on January 6 as the Tanzanian champions have a daunting task of overturning a 1-0 margin when they return home, in the hope to progress into the group stage.

Mayay and Mkandawile have specifically explained how the Zimbabwean team will come up with a plan to contain Clatous Chama who has been a real threat in both domestic and international games for Wekundu wa Msimbazi .

The Zambian international, with six goals and six assists, scored the all-important goal that ensured Simba overcame Plateau United in the preliminary encounter in Jos, Nigeria.

“Platinum might come with a plan that will contain Chama as they did to Luis Miquissone in the initial game. In football, teams always observe how their rivals play in order to contain them and consequently score goals,” Mayay explained in an interview with Mwanaspoti .

“Platinum will also come and have their eyes on Chama but Simba should attack and defend as a unit if they are to post good results.”

Echoing Mayay’s sentiments, Mkandawile stated how hopeful he is on Chama but is afraid Platinum might focus on him entirely and deny Simba a real goal threat in Dar es Salaam.

However, the retired goalkeeper said Sven Vandenbroeck should come up with an alternative strategy to counter the Zimbabwean champions.

“If Chama is not going to score, then he is going to give an assist because previously he has had a lot of contribution for Simba,” Mkandawile told the same publication.

“But I am afraid Platinum will come with an approach that is designed to contain Chama completely. For that reason, the coach should come up with a plan that would make it easy to get goals from the wings.”

Despite having established goalscorers like Meddie Kagere and John Bocco as well as Chris Mugalu, Simba have struggled to score enough goals.

The forwards need to be on top form during the return leg which Simba must win and progress to the exclusive group stage.

Fabinho says winning the Premier League again this season would be even more special for Liverpool than their maiden title in 2019-20.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are four points clear at the top of the table ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures, having won their first title of the Premier League era last campaign.

It has been a difficult title to retain in recent years, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side the only team to win back-to-back English top-flight titles in the last decade.

The Brazilian believes that joining that elite club would mean his side went down in history alongside the best of the best.

“Yes, this team will be remembered for how well we play, the quality of our football and for winning the title,” Fabinho told the Daily Mail.

“But to fight for the second one would put us further in to football history. It would put us up there with teams in the Premier League that have won back-to-back titles. Teams like Manchester City.

“It would put us on the higher level and put us with the best teams in the history of the league.

“Taking into account everything that has happened this year, the difficulties of no fans in the stadiums and the busy run of fixtures and injuries we have had, it all adds to making the second title more special than the first one if we could do it.

“It would show that we have this constant desire at the club to be winners.”

If Liverpool do go back-to-back, Fabinho will doubtless be hailed as one of the heroes of the campaign.

He helped steady the ship after the injury to Virgil van Dijk, and has earned comparisons to Liverpool’s Dutch rock with his assured performances.

“That's funny because some of my friends have joked about that,” he said. “Recently they sent me a montage they made. It was Virgil's hair and my face!

“When I came in, I felt good and comfortable and over time it's got easier. When Virgil got injured, I expected to come in as centre-back and even the other players were joking. They were saying: 'Fabinho the defender is back, he is here'.

“I was nervous at first but I think I have grown into it.

“Virgil is the one player you don't want or expect to be injured. Last season he played in all 38 league games. He is never tired, never injured and the one you can always rely on. He really is the leader and when you lose someone of those qualities it's a great shock.

“We were just shaking our heads at the time and didn't want to admit it was true. I remember hearing the news reports and hoping they were false.

“Immediately after his injury, he didn't say too much but after a few games he sent me a message congratulating me and saying I was playing well. That was great to hear.

“Now I just want to be able to watch his game and pick up things I should be doing, particularly the passes he makes. I would like to do that.

“He is the best in his position so it's important that I look to his game.”

The secret to Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele's longevity at the Soweto giants has been revealed by his agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane. 

The 33-year-old defender is the longest-serving player in the current Bucs squad having the joined the Soweto giants in 2006 from Mpumalanga-based side Walter Stars. 

Since then Jele has remained a loyal servant to the Houghton-based side and he has enjoyed a lot of success with the team over the years.

However, the former Bafana Bafana international is yet to lift a major trophy since he was appointed club captain in August 2017.

Thulani Hlatshwayo was the one, who lifted the MTN8 trophy after Pirates edged out Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in the final earlier this month with Jele missing due to illness.

Mahlakgane says Jele always puts the team first hence his longevity at the four-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions. 

"One of Jele's secrets to staying with Pirates for more than a decade is always putting the team first," Mahlakgane told Isolezwe.

"Yes, he would have been happy to lift the MTN8 [trophy], but there was nothing he could do, he was not there on the day of the game. The coach [Josef Zinnbauer] revealed [that] he was ill.

"We don't know how this season will end, maybe there is another trophy that Pirates will win and Jele will get a chance." 

The arrival of Hlatshwayo at Pirates prior to the start of the current season has seen Jele struggle for game time.

Zinnbauer has opted for Hlatshwayo and Ntsikelelo Nyauza as his preferred centre backs thus far this term.

As a result, Jele has played four competitive matches including two substitute appearances in the MTN8 against Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City. 

The lanky player, who is one of the decorated Pirates players in the PSL era, signed a new one-year deal with the club at the beginning of the current season.

Jele has won eight major trophies with the Buccaneers namely; two PSL titles, three MTN8 trophies, two Nedbank Cups and the Telkom Knockout.

He was a key member of the Pirates team which made history by winning three major trophies in a single season back to back between 2010 and 2012.

Bruno Fernandes says he wants to win every trophy on offer with Manchester United and says he's not happy that he hasn't lifted a title in his first year.

United go into Saturday’s crucial game against Leicester City five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

They are already out of the Champions League but have a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to, as well as the FA Cup and Europa League.

Fernandes has had a hugely impressive first year at Old Trafford and, speaking to BT Sport , he reflected on a rollercoaster 2020.

“I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” Fernandes said. “I enjoy [being at] one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was a dream come true to come to the Premier League, to come to a club I have always dreamed of playing for.

“Of course, it was better for me when I could play and enjoy my games with the fans. When I arrived, at the time it was the FA Cup and the Europa League, and we had the chance to get into the top four in the league.

“Unfortunately, we went out in two semi-finals but we achieved third place in the league. The only thing I’ve missed in this year is the trophies. I don’t have trophies for the club and I’m not happy about that. I hope 2021 can be better in that way.”

Fernandes says he was desperate to repay the faith which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed in him from the first day he arrived in Manchester.

“Straight away when I arrived, the confidence that the coach showed in me was impressive for me. Straight away, after two days I was playing against Wolves after I had trained for one day with the team.

“You need to understand in that moment, he is trusting you so you have to do something. It’s like Michael Jordan in his series ‘The Last Dance’, you know? It was the first and last chance to show that I wanted to be part of this team.

“Everyone has their own way to lead the team. I think everyone has leadership inside them, but in different ways. Maybe my way of showing leadership is a little more expressive and people see more from me than other players but I think at the end of the day, you have to have 25 leaders in the team if you want to win something.

“I think everything can be realistic if we believe. You make your own reality. I think the most important thing is that you have a target and you have to hit it. My target is winning trophies. It doesn’t matter which kind of trophy it is, I want to win all of them.”