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Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has spoken out following his costly mistake against Black Leopards on Wednesday.

The experienced player attempted to play a pass to his teammate Philani Zulu 12 minutes into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) match.

However, the ball was intercepted by Leopards winger Ovidy Karuru, who then directed it into an empty net as the two teams drew 2-2 on the night.

Khune, who has been criticized by fans on social media, took to his Instagram account to reflect on the encounter.

"Learn and grow – since you have no control over what has already happened, you need to learn from the past and grow for the future," Khune wrote. 

"Remember always, it’s not what happened that matters most; it is how you respond to what has happened that will make the biggest impact on future performances.

"Great come back from the team." 

Amakhosi were trailing 2-0 at half-time, but two second-half goals from Khama Billiat and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo helped the Soweto giants hold Lidoda Duvha to a draw. 

Meanwhile, Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt refused to openly blame his captain, Khune when speaking to the media in the post-match press conference. 

“Any mistake on any football pitch is disappointing and everybody makes mistakes‚” Hunt said. 

“It’s very disappointing but that’s football‚ it is a game of mistakes. It happens but we stick together‚ we were calm at half time and we made changes that I thought worked because it was one-way traffic in the second half. I thought we could have won the game‚ but from where we were it was a good comeback and we just have to keep working.”

Hunt rued the mistakes which have been committed by his side this season after Chiefs extended their winless run to four matches in the league by drawing with Leopards. 

“We just have to keep on working on the training ground and try to get it right," the 56-year-old tactician added. 

"That’s all we can do and stop making individual errors because in the games that we have lost this year‚ individual errors cost us.”

Chiefs will take on SuperSport United in a league match on Tuesday, December 15,

Arsenal finished with a 100 per cent record in Europa League Group B as Mike Arteta's side signed off with a 4-2 win at Dundalk.

Still smarting from Sunday's 2-0 loss to Tottenham in the north London derby, the Gunners made it six wins on the bounce in a major European competition for the first time since 2005.

Arteta, who unsurprisingly made sweeping changes from the weekend for what amounted to a dead rubber, saw Eddie Nketiah break the deadlock before Mohamed Elneny's sweet strike put his side firmly in the ascendancy.

It was not entirely one-way traffic, though, and Jordan Flores thrashed a powerful shot beyond Runar Alex Runarsson to give Dundalk a moment to savour.

However, second-half goals from Joe Willock and substitute Folarin Balogun put the game to bed as Arsenal made it a club-record nine consecutive away games unbeaten in Europe, ensuring Sean Hoare's header was merely a consolation.

Nketiah, who had already been involved in two promising situations, opened the scoring 12 minutes in when he blocked an attempted Andrew Boyle clearance before lifting a neat finish over the onrushing Gary Rogers to become Arsenal's top scorer in all competitions this season.

The second goal arrived soon after and it was a stunner from the right boot of Elneny, who picked out the top-right corner from outside the box.

Dundalk, who beat Shamrock Rovers in extra time to win the FAI Cup on Sunday, had rarely managed to escape their own half but made it count when they did.

Flores received a pass from Michael Duffy before driving his attempt across Runarsson and into the back of the net, despite the Iceland international having got fingertips on it.

A crucial block from Calum Chambers denied Darragh Leahy an unlikely leveller on the stroke of half-time, but Arsenal finished the job in the second half.

Willock kept his cool with possession inside the area and drilled a low shot underneath Rogers, with Balogun similarly level-headed after coming off the bench to convert from close range.

Hoare's flicked header restored a sense of pride for Dundalk, who nonetheless finish bottom of the group and without a point.

What does it mean? European success a welcome distraction

Arsenal have taken just 13 points from 11 league games this season, which represents their lowest return at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1981-82.

With that in mind, a shot at glory in Europe would serve as a welcome distraction from domestic toils.

As a seeded team in the draw for the next round, Arsenal will have realistic designs on extending their run in this competition beyond the last 32.

Eddie's ready to go

The fact Nketiah is now Arsenal's leading scorer might say more about the team's struggles than his own success – he does, after all, only have five goals to his name.

But given that Arsenal have netted just 10 times in the Premier League this term, Arteta must be considering adding to the solo start he has afforded the 21-year-old in the top flight.

Nketiah had five shots, created one chance and took his goal very well. Perhaps his withdrawal just past the hour mark was with the weekend's game in mind?

Pepe continues to toil

Nicolas Pepe became Arsenal's record signing when he joined from Lille in August last year, but the Ivory Coast international is yet to prove his worth.

He scored in the reverse fixture, which Arsenal won 3-0, but was underwhelming in Ireland on Thursday.

It wasn't until the final 10 minutes that he provided anything of significance, laying on the assist for Balogun, but you expect more for £72million.

Key Opta Facts

- All three of Mohamed Elneny's goals for Arsenal have been scored in European competition, with two of those strikes coming outside the box.
- Arsenal have won all 11 games in which Eddie Nketiah has found the back of the net, with the young forward scoring 12 in total.
- The Gunners are the first team to have three English players aged 21 or younger (Folarin Balogun, Joe Willock and Nketiah) score in a major UEFA European match since Tottenham in 1982 versus Coleraine (Garry Brooke, Terry Gibson and Gary Mabbutt).
- Arsenal have scored twice as many goals in the Europa League this season (20 in six games) as they have in the Premier League (10 in 11).

What's next?

Before the draw for the round of 32, which takes place on Monday, Arsenal host Burnley in the Premier League, while Dundalk's season is over.

Rangers sealed top spot in Europa League Group D as goals in either half from Cedric Itten and Ianis Hagi led Steven Gerrard's side to a routine 2-0 win over Lech Poznan on Thursday.

The Scottish Premiership leaders made seven changes from the weekend triumph over Ross County after ensuring their progression to the last 32 with last week's 3-2 beating of Standard Liege, but they never looked in danger of failing to secure a fourth win from their six group games.

The new-look side went ahead shortly after the half-hour mark thanks to Itten's first European goal for the club.

They wrapped up just a third win in their past 20 away games in Europe courtesy of Hagi's close-range header with 18 minutes remaining.

Rangers started slowly and were fortunate not to fall behind after 15 minutes, unmarked Poznan captain Lubomir Satka inexplicably heading over from six yards.

The visitors belatedly woke from their slumber and went ahead with their first shot on target after 31 minutes.

Jakub Kaminski sloppily gifted possession to Itten, who waltzed past Djordje Crnomarkovic inside the penalty area before lashing a fierce strike into the roof of Filip Bednarek's net from 10 yards.

Rangers went agonisingly close to doubling their advantage before the interval, but Hagi's deflected strike flashed narrowly past the post.

Hagi had a low shot from outside the area saved by Bednarek early in the second half, while Jon McLaughlin did well to paw away Tymoteusz Puchacz's free-kick at the other end.

Rangers then sealed victory inside the final 20 minutes, Hagi nodding in from almost on the line after Connor Goldson's looping header bounced down off the crossbar.

What does it mean? Rangers extend impressive unbeaten run

It is testament to Rangers' confidence that they could make significant changes to their starting XI and still cruise past Poznan on their own turf.

This latest win stretches their unbeaten streak to a whopping 25 games and they will not fear anyone ahead of the last-32 draw in Nyon on Monday.

Hagi impresses for visitors

The Romanian was comfortably Rangers' brightest spark. He ensured a comfortable final 20 minutes with what will likely be the easiest goal of his career, while he enjoyed a match-high four shots and made two key passes.

Kaminski endures torrid first half

It was little surprise to see Poznan winger Kaminski hauled off at half-time. Not only was the 18-year-old entirely at fault for Itten's goal, but he completed just nine of his 16 passes (56.3 per cent) and lost possession 11 times – the third-most of any player to feature for at least 45 minutes.

Key Opta Facts

- Rangers are unbeaten in their past 10 Europa League group stage matches (W5 D5).
- Itten notched his third Rangers goal in all competitions, with his other two coming in the same game against Motherwell in September.
- Hagi has been involved in four goals in five Europa League starts for Rangers (three goals, one assist).

What's next?

Both sides are in domestic action on Sunday, with Rangers visiting Dundee United and Poznan travelling to Stal Mielec.

Isaac Success has promised to deliver a more impactful performance for Watford when he returns from a long injury layoff.

The centre-forward ruptured his Achilles in a friendly in June and he is expected to be fit for games in January.

The 24-year-old attacker last featured in a competitive game for Watford in their FA Cup against Newcastle United in January 2019.

The Nigeria international has been with the Hornets since the summer of 2016 when he arrived from Spanish side Granada.

The attacker has struggled to establish himself at Vicarage Road, scoring only two goals in 54 league appearances.

Success was part of Nigeria’s team that won the U17 World Cup in 2013 but has struggled to live up to expectations for both club and country.

The forward has expressed his disappointment with his underwhelming performances for Watford and hopes to make amends when he is fully back to action.

“It's been tough. It was painful, but it's football and it happens. I'm just trying to work my way back to the squad as I've missed playing with the team,” Success told Hive Live.

“We need to get back to the Premier League as quickly as possible, so I'm looking forward to getting back and achieving our goals.

“I'm very excited. The last five months have been boring. I've done a lot of work and I know it's going to be an emotional first game back after six months out, but I'm ready for the challenge.

“Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself as I've got the qualities and everything a forward player will need.

“I need to do the right things and wait for my chance. I think I've got lots to offer the team. It's been disappointing not getting the chance [over the years] and being injured a couple of times when it was time for me to explode.

“I just need to keep working as there is so much more to come. It's time for me to deliver for the team and the fans as they have been waiting too long. The wait is now over.”

Watford are currently third on the Championship table with 30 points from 17 games, four below leaders Norwich City.

They will hope to secure victory in their next Championship game against Birmingham City on Saturday to boost their return to the Premier League. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic caused something of a stir at the end of 2020 when he asked who had given EA Sports permission to use his name and face on FIFA 21.

It served to demonstrate that the question of image rights is a serious one for footballers and football teams, with financial considerations associated.

In many cases, video game companies such as EA Sports, Sports Interactive and Konami must negotiate agreements with various parties in order to gain permission to reproduce likenesses in virtual media.

EA Sports' FIFA franchise is one of the most extensive and realistic football games on the market, but even it has been impacted.

Here, Goal takes a look at the clubs that are not officially in FIFA 21.

The most high-profile 'absence' from FIFA 21 in terms of official nomenclature and team badges is undoubtedly Juventus - known as 'Piemonte Calcio' in the EA Sports game.

Juve's absence is the result of an exclusive deal the Italian club has with Konami, which has been in place since FIFA 20.

While Juventus are not officially in FIFA 21, it is in appearance only - EA Sports says "generic kits and crests" are used. Real-world players, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Dybala, are still included.

A number of other clubs from Serie A are also not officially represented in FIFA 21, including Roma (Roma FC), Spezia (La Spezia) and FC Crotone (Crotone).

Argentine behemoths Boca Juniors and River Plate are known as 'Buenos Aires' and 'Nunez' in the game, meaning the Superclasico will have a different feel to it in the latest edition of FIFA.

One Brazilian club appears in altered form in FIFA 21 is Corinthians - donning the moniker 'Oceanico FC'.

A number of other major Brazilian clubs only appear in the game in the Copa Libertadores tournament: Sao Paulo, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Sport Recife and Red Bull Bragantino.

According to EA Sports, Brazilian clubs launch with generic player names and are not included in Ultimate Team.

It is also somewhat complicated when it comes to international teams on FIFA 21, with a number of teams playing in generic kits and flags used in place of official badges.

The following international teams have generic kits, badges and players on FIFA 21:

The following international team has authentic kit and badge, but generic players on FIFA 21:

The following international teams have generic kits and badges but real players on FIFA 21:

Read more about FIFA 21 on Goal!

Express FC youngster Ivan Mayanja believes the unity in the team is a sign of success.

The attacker joined the six-time Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions in the recently closed transfer window from Fufa Big League side Catda FC. The striker has since expressed his feelings after joining the Wankulukuku-based charges.

"For me, it has been surreal ever since I joined Express FC," Mayanja said on Thursday.

"Everyone has helped me settle in and I am grateful. Management has done tremendously well, so has the technical team; and as for the players, we are a family which for me is a sign of success."

The new signing was an unused substitute in his team's league assignment against Onduparaka.

The Red Eagles came into the match seeking a positive start and they indeed took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Frank Kalanda converted from the penalty spot.  

Despite taking the lead, Express still looked vulnerable at the back and it needed the experience of Uganda international defender Murushid Juuko to deny Onduparaka, as he raced to clear a ball that was rolling into an empty net in the 18th minute.

Godfrey Lwesibawa of Express was booked in the 20th minute as Onduparaka continued to search for a leveller which never came, with the teams heading into the half-time break with Express leading 1-0.

Earlier, Express suffered a set-back in the 26th minute with midfielder Ibrahim Kayiwa picking up a knock and was replaced by Charles Musiige, allowing the Caterpillars to mount more attacks but Mathias Muwanga was the difference with good stops.

After the recess, Kabong continued his fine display and in the 68th minute all hell broke loose when Express skipper Enock Walusimbi was sent off for handling the ball deliberately in the box, and Kabong made no mistake sending Mathias Muwanga the opposite way for a 1-1 draw.

"I am glad I made the travelling squad," Mayanja stated.

"We prepared well for the game and the boys put up a good fight. Sadly, our captain [Enock Walusimbi] got sent off but I am happy the boys soldiered on."  

On Saturday, December 12, the former champions will be hosting Bright Stars and Mayanja hopes he will make his debut for his new team.

"We have learned from our mistakes and we are ready. I am personally looking forward to making my debut and helping the team win."  

Antoine Griezmann has severed ties with one his sponsors, Huawei, over "strong suspicions" they are making technology that is repressing Uighur Muslims in China.

The Barcelona star took to social media to announce his decision following reports that the telecommunications equipment company has been trialling facial recognition software designed to improve China's surveillance of Uighurs.

Griezmann has condemned alleged mistreatment of the minority ethnic group, which is predominantly made up of Muslims, and has urged Huawei to use their influence to address a troubling human rights issue.

“Following strong suspicions that the Huawei company has contributed to the development of a ‘Uighur alert’ thanks to facial recognition software, I am announcing the immediate termination of my partnership with the company,” the French striker said on Instagram.

“I take this opportunity to invite Huawei to not just deny these accusations, but to take concrete actions as quickly as possible to condemn this mass repression, and to use its influence to contribute to the respect of human and women’s rights in society.”

Huawei has responded to Griezmann's post by offering to sit down with the 29-year-old to clarify the situation, while insisting that the company will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

"Huawei is obviously saddened by the decision of Mr. Griezmann to end his relationship with the company," the Chinese multinational organisation said in a statement to Goal. 

"We would like to extend an invitation to speak to him personally, to explain the work that is currently being done at the highest level, inside the company, to address the issues of human rights, equality, and discrimination at all levels, and to reassure him, and all our customers and partners, that Huawei takes these concerns very seriously.

"The language used in the document he refers to in the news reports is completely unacceptable. It was not Huawei’s language, rather descriptions of functions provided by the company Megvii. It is not compatible with the values of Huawei.

"Our technologies are not designed to identify ethnic groups. Non-discrimination is at the heart of our values as a company.

"Furthermore, the person responsible for approving the document was not a Huawei employee, but rather was a subcontractor.

"This mistake was three years ago. He was clearly not aligned with our company’s values.

"Since then the company has made substantial progress. Indeed, Huawei is a signatory to the UNGC which states 'businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.'"

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno has confirmed the Gor Mahia Premier League opening game against Ulinzi Stars will be played on December 12 to mark the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.

Jamhuri is an important national day which is celebrated to mark Kenya’s attainment of full independence in 1964 by becoming a republic. The game, that was initially set to be played at Utalii ground, has now been moved to Nyayo Stadium within Nairobi City.

“Gor Mahia vs Ulinzi Stars will be played on Saturday as part of Jamhuri celebrations. The game is expected to be aired by one of the local television channels,” Otieno told Goal on Thursday.

The FKF official further explained whether the match will be aired by any other television station and why the new Premier League broadcasting partners StarTimes will not carry the game live.

“It will not be aired on StarTimes as we have a contract with them that states every weekend there will be one match that goes to the free to air channel,” he concluded.

“As part of Jamhuri Day 2020 celebrations, we wish to inform you that our match against Gor Mahia has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 12, and shall now be played at Nyayo National Stadium, starting 4:00 pm. Kindly take note,” Ulinzi Stars confirmed too.

Gor Mahia and the 2010 league winners have not played a game this season owing to the issues around the broadcasting deal that was secured by FKF before the 2020/21 season began.

Zoo FC and Mathare United, who have been suspended from the top-tier, are the other clubs yet to play.

The push and pull between the federation and the ‘rebel’ clubs have been ongoing as the other teams have already played two games.

Initially, Gor Mahia had planned to jet out of the country for Sudan and engage Al-Hilal in a friendly game but FKF cancelled it due to the upcoming game against Tusker next week.

“As you are aware, we wish to inform you that the FKF Premier League is ongoing and your club has a match against Tusker scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2020,” FKF’s letter to Gor Mahia read.

“Consequently, we regret to inform you that it will not be possible for you to travel to Sudan from December 14, 2020, to December 17, 2020.”

Gor Mahia are also participating in the Caf Champions League and their fixtures are expected to pile up if they progress from the first round.

Ajax Amsterdam manager Erik ten Hag believes young striker Brian Brobbey gave a good account of himself in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Atalanta despite a disappointing result in the end.

The Dutch giants, who were without Ghana prodigy Mohammed Kudus due to injury, crashed out of the elite continental inter-club competition following a 1-0 home defeat at Johan Cruijff Arena.

Ghana-linked Netherlands youth star Brobbey was in action for Ajax as he was offered a rare start in the game decided by Luis Muriel's 85th-minute strike for the visitors.

"There just wasn't enough connection going on in the first half, especially with Brian Brobbey," Hag said, as reported by his club's official website.

"Brian made himself very available a number of times throughout the game. But as I've already said, we needed more guys like that. That would have also given us more power up front.

"In the spring we'll go further in the Europa League. After reaching the final a few years ago, we know very well where that can lead, but we also know the story of what happened with Getafe last season. You just have to get to the next round first."

Brobbey's night, however, ended on a bad note as he was substituted at half-time after picking up an injury.

Ajax, by their Champions League elimination, have dropped down into the Europa League.

"You can't wallow in disappointment for too long. This leads to negativity, to injuries and to low levels of energy. We have to get that positive vibe back. We've been having a great season so far and we'll continue that against Zwolle on Saturday," Ten Hag added.

Born to Ghanaian parents in Amsterdam, Brobbey is on the radar of the Ghana Football Association who have pencilled down the striker among a host of dual nationals for a possible switch of international allegiance.

The 18-year-old made his senior debut for Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie in October, coming on as a second-half substitute against Fortuna Sittard.

Two of his three footballing elder brothers, Kevin Luckassen and Derrick Luckassen, have both filed for a switch of international allegiance to Ghana after playing for the Netherlands at youth level. 

New AFC Leopards signing Peter Thiong'o is impressed with the spirit in his new team ahead of their weekend assignment against Sofapaka.

Ingwe have started the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign on a high and are currently joint top on the table with maximum points after wins over Tusker FC and Bidco United respectively. The forward has further pointed out the objective for the 13-time league champions.

"I am very proud to have joined the team in training this week," Thiong'o said ahead of their Sunday game against Batoto ba Mungu.

"I love the morale that I have seen in my teammates during our training sessions and the motivation from our last two wins. Our target is to keep winning matches."

Thiong'o joined Ingwe from Western-based charges Kakamega Homeboyz and went on to sign a contract as a free agent.

The winger was a vital player for the Western-based side and managed to score eight goals as they finished second in the abandoned 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

He is expected to make his debut on Sunday against 2009 champions Batoto ba Mungu at Nyayo Stadium.

Sofapaka started their campaign with a 1-0 loss away to Bandari before registering a 3-1 win over Western Stima. Coach John Baraza went on to say the work has now started.

"[Sunday] was a must-win match for us, we had no option but to give a response and yes we did," the former Harambee Stars forward said.

"I am proud of the playing unit, they played to instructions, we created and utilised our chances. Work has just begun and we want to get positive results moving forward."

Captain Elly Asieche, who scored a brace in that match against the Powermen, stated there was a great need to earn a win at home after the initial loss against the Dockers at the coast.

"We were coming into the match after a loss whilst facing Stima who got a point in the first game," the midfielder, who was confirmed as the skipper when George Maelo left, said.

"Equally we were playing for the first time at home, thus pressure was on us to give a good response.

"I am glad we as a team did play our part because a win was needed to kick-start our season. My teammates gave a good statement on Sunday and we want to carry on from that day’s win."

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks and Betway have extended their sponsorship deal.

The initial deal was signed in 2019 and was expected to run for three years but it has now been extended further although neither the club nor Betway confirmed how long the extension will last.

"Betway Kenya’s renewal of this deal is a sign of confidence to the value Kariobangi Sharks FC offers us as a partner,” Kiprono Kitony, the Betway Kenya chairman said after signing the new deal.

“We shall continue supporting sports and doing Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities aimed at uplifting the society during these hard times."

Kariobangi Sharks are currently among a few Kenyan clubs with individual financial partners.

Betway and the club entered into a partnership in 2019 when other top-tier clubs were hit by the financial crisis after SportPesa left as the Kenyan Premier League’s sponsors.

Although Kariobangi Sharks were quite stable in terms of financial status, they did not enjoy good form on the pitch as they wallowed just above the relegation zone in the previous season.

They were largely rescued by the cancellation of the competition in May owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Head coach William Muluya managed to hold onto his position despite the challenges but a rather good start into the 2020/21 season has signalled a side ready to compete once again.

The 2017 FKF Shield Cup opened the season with a huge 4-0 win over Wazito FC before they were held to a 0-0 draw by Nzoia Sugar in the second game of the Premier League.

The Eastlands club is set to face Bidco United on December 12 at home as they look for a second win. Bidco United, on the other hand, are winless after an opening draw against Western Stima and a 2-0 loss against AFC Leopards.

Kariobangi Sharks will close the year with a game against the 2009 league winners Sofapaka on December 19. The game is expected to be hosted in Wundanyi in Taita Taveta county.

Sofapaka have also won a game when they saw off Western Stima by a 3-1 margin after they had fallen to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bandari in the season opener.

Marcus Rashford has hinted that he wants to stay at Manchester United for the rest of his career.

The 23-year-old joined United at the age of seven and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making his senior debut at the age of 18 in Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland in 2016.

By the end of that campaign Rashford had scored eight goals in 18 appearances for the Red Devils, as well as earning a place in the England squad for that summer’s European Championship in France.

He has remained a key player for both club and country since, scoring 77 goals in 232 appearances for United as well as 11 goals in 40 games for the Three Lions.

Speaking at the British Sports Awards, where he finished runner-up to Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Sportsman of the Year category, Rashford said has never contemplated leaving his boyhood club and is hopeful of remaining there until he retires.

“For me, I never look beyond Manchester United," he said.

"As a kid I never looked beyond Manchester United. In my mind it wouldn't sit right for me to be pulling on another shirt. I just want to do my best for the club while I'm here. Long term hopefully.”

As well as his achievements on the pitch, Rashford has earned widespread acclaim for his charity work off it, particularly his campaign to try and end child food poverty.

In June, he successfully lobbied the government to extend its policy of providing free school meals for underprivileged children outside term time. He also helped set up the Child Food Poverty Task Force to try and help those in society most in need.

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in October in recognition of his efforts.

Rashford says his campaigning is inspired from his own experiences as a child, while the support Manchester United gave him during that time has created a lifelong bond that stretches beyond football.

"All the good things that have happened this year have come from Manchester United giving me an opportunity as a kid. I don't just remember the last year or the last five years,” he added,

“I'm talking about when nobody in my family drove and I had to get to training and United had people to come and take me to the training ground and take me back home when I was six, seven, eight, nine.

"The times they put me into accommodation when my mum was struggling at home, when I was 11 and I was there up until 16/17.

"It is a lot deeper than what people see sometimes. I think people see some of the stuff that has been happening since I've been in the first team but the bond that I have with United is much greater than these last five years and it will forever be greater than probably my actual career because they are the reason I have become a footballer, they have given me the opportunity to express myself and to find out I had talent in football."

It’s an African Football HQ special this week, as Ed Dove sits down to talk all things Spanish football in Africa with Managing Director for La Liga in Southern Africa, Marcos Pelegrin.

Since taking his current role 15 months ago, Pelegrin has maintained the work of his predecessor Antonia Barradas, continuing the brand development she began in 2015.

Five months into the La Liga Africa project, Pelegrin talks us through the progress made to date, particularly the strategic partnerships forged and the way the Spanish top flight has been introduced to populations in the region in their own local languages.

Indeed, taking La Liga—in Shona—to the Shona population of Zimbabwe is something that Pelegrin is particularly proud of!

2020 has, of course, been a testing year, but La Liga has still maintained growth in Southern Africa, not least in Ghana where, according to Pelegrin, the league has become even more popular since the departure of Thomas Partey to Arsenal.

Despite the boom in the region, Pelegrin isn’t keen for the league’s big names—be they Lionel Messi or Partey—to depart, and is acutely aware of the importance of local stars in the Spanish top flight in order to engage with African fans.

Fortunately, the likes of Huesca—with Kelechi Nwakali—or Granda—with Ramon Azeez—can boast Nigeria stars to generate interest in the massive West African nation.

However, it isn’t the same everywhere, and Pelegrin sheds light on a few of his strategies to ensure that local fans buy into the allure of some of La Liga’s less glamorous sides.

Perhaps the elephant in the room is the relationship between La Liga and Africa’s local leagues—particularly the PSL in South Africa, where attendances at and interest in games not involving the big three can be modest.

Similarly, La Liga’s competition with the Premier League—which already enjoys a major foothold across Africa—is a challenge.

How can the Spanish top flight compete with the PL, which engenders such an emotional response and enjoys such visibility among African supporters?

Check out our in-depth interview with Pelegrin to hear about his strategies and solutions to these problems—and more—as La Liga aims to bring the best of Spanish football to Africa.

Bayern Munich dominate the nominations for the 2020 FIFA FIFPRO Men's World XI, with the Champions League winners having nine candidates out of 55.

Hansi Flick's team won a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble in 2019-20, seeing off Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the European football's premier competition in August.

Robert Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich were the only Bayern players to make the long-list last year, and those two again feature this time around.

Lewandowski scored a remarkable 55 goals across all competitions for Bayern last term, and has hit the ground running this season, netting 15 times to take his tally for the year so far to 70.

Manuel Neuer enjoyed something of a resurgence last term and heads up a list of 10 goalkeepers.

David Alaba was last on the list in 2017 but returns after starring at centre-back alongside Jerome Boateng, who also makes his first appearance in three years.

Thomas Muller is back after a four-year absence, while Alphonso Davies, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka are all included for the first time.

Philippe Coutinho was something of a bit-part player but did score twice and provide an assist in a thumping 8-2 win over Barcelona – where he has now returned after a loan spell in Munich – in the Champions League semi-finals, while Thiago Alcantara, now of Liverpool, also features.

The list, which is based on players who received the most votes from other professionals, also includes 11 new faces.

It is no shock to see Borussia Dortmund's scoring sensation Erling Haaland make the cut, while Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes is also involved.

Dele Alli, meanwhile, is something of a surprise inclusion. The Tottenham midfielder has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, making only two Premier League appearances, with his only top-flight start coming in the opening day defeat to Everton. In total, Alli has played just 66 league minutes this term.

Premier League champions Liverpool have eight players on the list, including new signing Thiago.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are included among 15 forwards, while Dani Alves is the only man on the list not to play in Europe's top five leagues.

The 2020 FIFA FIFPRO Men's World XI will be made up of the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers who receive the most votes, with the final spot going to the highest-ranking outfielder outside of the top nine.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Elias Pelembe has revealed that he has received offers from Premier Soccer League and National First Division (NFD) clubs.

The Mozambique international has been a free agent since he left Bidvest Wits at the end of last season with the club having sold its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

Pelembe, who has enjoyed a lot of success in South African football, is currently assessing his offers including a few from Mozambican clubs.

“I’m still looking for a team. I have some offers on the table but I’m still studying them,” Pelembe told Sowetan.

“I have two in the NFD, one in the DStv Premiership and a few [from] teams here in Mozambique.

"So, I’m still checking which ones will fit me. Maybe before the end of next week, I would have made a decision," he continued. 

"I’m not in a hurry to get a team. I’m currently training alone to get fit. I have a gym at my house ... and I am in good shape.”

The ageing player was part of the Mozambique squad which took on Cameroon in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers last month.

Having turned 37 last month, Pelembe is keen to continue playing professional football for at least two or three years. 

“I’m still feeling well. Maybe after two or three years, I will retire. People will still see the best out of me. I’m still the way I was. Even my shape, as I said, is OK," he added. 

“Everything is OK. I’m injury-free. The reason I’m delaying to join a new team is that I want to get a proper club where I will be happy and where I can play regularly.

“But as I said, next week I will know which team I’m joining. I want to take my time to make the right decision. I don’t want to rush things.”

Pelembe admitted that it was difficult for him after Tshakhuma decided against keeping him and he became clubless. 

“It's something which happens. It is part of life but there is nothing we can do. We like to do what we love, which is playing football," he explained. 

“I was disappointed when they sold the status, especially how we found out from other people, not the club, but it happened. We just need to move on.”

Pelembe won two PSL titles with SuperSport United and he also won the league trophy with Sundowns and Wits. 

He was named 2007/08 PSL Player of the Season after playing an instrumental role in helping SuperSport clinch the league title.

A 10-man East Bengal managed to hold Jamshedpur to a goalless draw in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Tilak Maidan on Thursday.

The Red and Golds' registered their first point this season after four matches. Jamshedpur had plenty of chances to score but failed to convert and turn the point into three. 

Robbie Fowler made four changes to the East Bengal lineup. Sankar Roy, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Mohammed Rafique and Jeje Lalpekhlua replaced Debjit Majumder, Surchandra Singh, Wahengbam Angousana and Balwant Singh.

Owen Coyle, on the other hand, made just one change to the Jamshedpur starting XI which won 2-1 against ATK Mohun Bagan. Aniket Jadhav came in for Jackichand Singh on the left flank.

Jamshedpur started well and looked hungry for an early lead. Aniket Jadhav should have scored in the sixth minute when he found himself in a one-on-one situation inside the box but he blasted the ball over the crossbar.

East Bengal received a major blow in the 25th minute when Eugeneson Lyngdoh was sent off for a high-footed challenge on Alex Lima. It was a harsh decision for the Kolkata club as Lyngdoh caught the ball before brushing his boot against Lima's leg.

Stephen Eze came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute when he attempted a header off Aitor Monroy's dangerous delivery from a corner but the crossbar denied the centre-back a goal. 

With a man down, Fowler took a pragmatic approach in the second half as East Bengal hardly raided the opposition's half. Coyle, on the other hand, brought in Isaac Vanmawlsawma on the right flank in place of Aniket Jadhav to add more firepower in the attack.

Jamshedpur completely dominated proceedings in the second half as they created multiple goal-scoring opportunities but credit to the East Bengal backline who stood firm and nullified every single Jamshedpur attack.

The Men of Steel too were down to 10 men after Laldinliana Renthlei was sent off after he received a second booking for a challenge on Jacques Maghoma in the 90th minute.

East Bengal remains at the bottom of the league table and Jamshedpur climbed up to the fifth position with six points from five games following Thursday's draw.