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Ugandan legend Paul Ssali has revealed how the national team almost perished in a plane crash in 1978.

In an interview with New Vision, the former Cranes goalkeeper has explained how terrified the players in the squad were after they tried to land twice at Entebbe Airport on their return from Accra, Ghana where they had taken part in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The team was heading to Kampala after losing 2-0 in the final to the Black Stars when the Ethiopian Airways plane on which they travelled almost crashed at Entebbe due to bad weather.

“From Ghana to Cameroon, the sailing was smooth, the whole episode started moments after the captain announced that ‘soon we shall be landing at Entebbe International Airport,” Ssali is quoted as saying by New Vision. “It has been a pleasure flying with the deputy champions of Africa.

“As the plane descended it began to behave strangely; it suddenly dropped several meters and quickly gained height again. This would happen about six times, moving left and right that sent passengers in panicky mode, screaming and praying.

“Several passengers vomited due to the turbulence. When the plane gained stability, the pilot abandoned landing at Entebbe and instead headed to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya where we learned how we had survived to crash.”

Ssali continued: “We were close to landing and had actually unfastened our seat belts, and we could actually see the Airport buildings but all of a sudden the plane took an almost 90-degree ascendency to the sky.

“We circled around the Airport for about ten minutes before we were told that we could not land due to bad weather, so we headed for Nairobi where we landed and spent two hours before we returned to Entebbe.

“We were all shaken and feared for our lives, the plane having changed direction all of a sudden.”

Ssali remembers vividly that it was at JKIA in Nairobi when the squad realised they had escaped a plane crash due to bad weather (fog) and while in Nairobi, most players had requested to travel to Uganda by road, a decision that was turned down by the team manager.

“In Nairobi, most of the Cranes wanted to travel back by road but the manager refused it,” Ssali continued.

“The trip from Nairobi was tension-packed but this time the landing was more comfortable and there was some jubilation from the Cranes with others shedding tears of joy. They had anticipated the same experience.”

Joe Willock has credited legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for teaching him "to play with freedom".

Willock spent three years on Arsenal's books as a youth player before graduating to the senior squad in 2017, and was handed his full debut in September of the same year.

The 20-year-old has since appeared in 51 games for the Gunners, scoring seven goals, while also earning a place in England's U-21 set-up.

The young playmaker has been a regular in Arsenal's line-up this season, with his latest start coming in a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on June 17 - which marked the club's first game back following the coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

Willock had to make do with a substitute appearance in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton, but he will be back in contention for a place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI when the Gunners take in a trip to Southampton on Thursday.

Arteta is the second man to try and pick up the mantle since Wenger's exit in 2018, with Unai Emery only lasting 18 months in the role before being dismissed in November.

Willock recalls picking up vital pearls of wisdom from the Frenchman towards the end of his 22-year reign, as he told talkSPORT: “Growing up, Arsene Wenger was Arsenal. It was all I knew. He was part of the furniture.

"For me to grow up and play under him was a crazy feeling. It was surreal. He’s an amazing man.

“Arsene Wenger was a very laid-back man but when he spoke, everyone listened. He was Arsene Wenger so everyone had to listen.

“He always taught me personally to play with freedom and enjoy myself. That’s one thing I can take from him.”

The Arsenal midfielder went on to reveal that Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were his main idols growing up, and says he has attempted to mix their unique styles into his own game.

Willock said: “I used to love the way that Pires used to caress the ball and how Thierry used to play with so much confidence and personality.

“I try to take a bit out of everything and put that into my game. I used to have posters up in my room. I think my mum might have them at her house.”

Asked which members of the current squad have played a key role in his development at Emirates Stadium, Willock responded: “At Arsenal, we are a very tight-knit team, we all try and help each other.

"If I have to name a few names, I would say David Luiz, [Alexandre] Lacazette and a few of the younger players like Calum Chambers, Granit Xhaka, because they are very vocal and big players in the changing room I sort of gravitated to them more.

"They helped me and always speak to me.”

Rachel Nachula has joined the Spanish second division club Zaragoza from Zambian top-flight side Green Buffaloes for the new 2020-21 season.

The Zambia international was impressive for Buffaloes last season as scored four goals in her side's 9-0 win over Green Academy to claim the FAZ 2020 National Women's League title in March.

On the international scene, she inspired Zambia to a maiden final of the 2019 Cosafa Women's Cup, getting four assists and 10 goals to finish as the competition's top scorer in South Africa.

She was also part of Bruce Nwape's squad that upset Cameroon in the final round of the Africa qualifying series to qualify for the first time in their history for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Before venturing into football, she was also an international athlete, featuring in several major championships, including the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, where she ran the 400 meters.

Following her move, Nachula will become the second signing for Cristian Aleza's side this summer after Austrian striker Annelie Leitner as the Reto Iberdrola outfit seek promotion next season.

She will also become the second Zambian female to move to Spain after teammate Barbra Banda joined Logrono in 2018.

Nachula will aim to excel in her maiden professional outing in Europe when the 2020-2021 season gets underway with Zaragoza.

Marcelo is approaching the end of his 13th season as a Real Madrid player, but Predrag Mijatovic has revealed that Fabio Capello wanted the Blancos to “give up” on the Brazilian before he had even got going.

Back in 2007, Roberto Carlos was still very much the main man at Santiago Bernabeu when it came to filling a left-back berth.

The World Cup winner was, however, past his peak and Madrid were in the market for a suitable successor.

They looked to another Brazilian for inspiration, with Marcelo’s potential bought into as a relatively untested teenager.

He was snapped up during the January transfer window, giving him six months to work with fellow countryman Carlos before the latter headed off to Fenerbahce.

Capello was at the Real helm when Marcelo was signed, but the Italian tactician was not initially convinced that the right deal had been done.

Mijatovic, who was sporting director at the time, was not about to give up on the promising South American, though, and helped to pave the way for what was to follow.

The former Blancos striker told ISMAS: "In my first year at Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos was the left-back, the best in football history in my opinion, but I knew that we had to sign a young player to replace him.

"Knowing Roberto like I did, as a team-mate, and knowing his contract was about to end it was clear his performances weren't like they had been, and we needed to replace him.

"Marcelo was 18 years old and totally unknown, and Capello wanted to give up on him, but I refused because I wanted him to train with Roberto Carlos.

"A player, training with a world-class star like Roberto Carlos, can see how he lives, take on any advice from him and that's worth a lot more than 10-15 games on loan."

Marcelo was kept around at the Bernabeu, as Capello was ushered through the exits, and became a regular from the 2007-08 campaign.

The 32-year-old now has 507 appearances for Real to his name – just 17 short of Carlos’ tally for the club – and has helped them to four title triumphs in La Liga, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

AmaZulu interim manager Ayanda Dlamini says they will be pleased if the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season could be completed in KwaZulu-Natal since it would help them to retain their top-flight status.

Dlamini’s sentiments come after the PSL recently suggested the South African domestic season could be finished behind closed doors, if all the matches take place in close proximity of each other.

In fact, PSL chairman Irvin Khoza recently confirmed that the league could be completed in one province to minimize the risks of spreading the coronavirus, saying the league were in talks with decision-makers in certain provinces but did not elaborate further.

“We would be happy if the season can be finished in Durban because that is our home. We are familiar with the weather and all the stadiums,” Dlamini told Isolezwe.

“That can help us to fight in the remaining games in Durban because there will be no game that we call an away match.

“You will remember that there are many chances that we can finish the games behind closed doors without the supporters.

"We know that many of AmaZulu supporters are very important to us. We need them but because of the situation, we will have to accept that. We know their hearts will be with us.”

On the other hand, media reports also surfaced that the North West and Limpopo provinces were considered but due to the lack of sufficient training pitches to accommodate all 16 teams, Gauteng and KZN have emerged as favourites.

In addition, Dlamini has been tasked with leading Usuthu from relegation as they currently occupy the 15th spot with 23 points, before the games were suspended due to the pandemic in March.

In his first match in charge back in February, he led the club to a hard-fought victory over the log leaders Kaizer Chiefs away from home.

Ogenyi Onazi has revealed he influenced Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor to sign his Nigerian compatriots John Obi Mikel and Anthony Nwakaeme.

The Super Eagles midfielder spent five years with the Medical Park Stadyumu outfit, after joining the club in 2016 for a fee of €3.5 million.

In the summer of 2018, Nwakaeme was snapped up by the Black Sea Storm after his impressive performances for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, where he scored 35 goals in 95 appearances in the Israeli Premier League.

Mikel, meanwhile, signed for Trabzonspor, linking up with his compatriots at the club after helping the Super Eagles finish third at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The former Super Eagles captain terminated his contract with the Black Sea Storm by mutual agreement in March after expressing his concerns about the league continuing amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

Onazi, who played 69 league games for Huseyin Cimsir’s men before joining rivals Denizlispor in January, revealed his efforts in the move of both players to the Medical Park Stadyumu outfit.

“It was fantastic and before Tony [Nwakaeme] came, the president told me that he was trying to sign this Nigerian player and he asked me if I know him,” Onazi told Brila.

“I told him Tony is a fantastic player and he should do whatever he can to bring in, so when he finally signed him and Tony scored two goals in his second game, the president came back to me and was so happy.

“After the Afcon in Egypt, the president came back again and told me when he wants to bring Mikel and I should help them speak to him.

“Then I discussed all night with Mikel to come over too and I was injured then, so hopefully when I recover we will play together, but unfortunately we did not spend much time together.”

Onazi last featured for the Super Eagles against Seychelles in 2018, having only recovered from a long injury layoff, and missed the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder, who has played eight times for Denizlispor, explained he is in constant contact with Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr and hopes to feature more prominently for his club for a chance to earn a return to the national team.

“I was injured that’s why I wasn’t in the national team, I speak with the coach sometimes, and I also congratulated him on his new deal,” he continued.

“But you can’t be speaking to the coach all the time, because my job is to play and when I’m doing that pretty well, I’m sure I will be back in the team again.”

Onazi will hope to play a part and help Denizlispor, who lost their previous two games, to return to winning form against Rizespor on Sunday.

Andy Mwesigwa feels it was impolite for every Uganda player to come out to push for their $1 million promised by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, after the East Africa Nation reached the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations knockout phase.

According to the former international defender, the players could have left the captain to address the issue and not every team member.

"I think it would only come from the captain as the leader of the team because then it would look a polite and diplomatic way," Mwesigwa told Nation Sports.

"It is very bad and looks a bit impolite for every Cranes player to start demanding the president that money. To me, I think they would raise their voice through one person, captain, and wait for the response.  

"Not the way I am seeing every player posting on their social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter etc."

The former skipper has, however, made his stance regarding the issue known.

"But I am behind the Cranes 100% that the president fulfils his promise and gives them that token he promised them after a tremendous work they did in Afcon. For God and My Country," he said.

Meanwhile, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) Players Association head Paul Mukatabala has stated the head of state has always honoured his promises in the past.

"All I know is that H.E the President always delivers on whatever he promises to the Uganda Cranes. Now, whether reaching out to him via social media is the right course of action, I really can’t tell," he told the same publication.

The head of state made the pledge after the team arrived back home after the 2019 Afcon in Egypt and according to the players, this has not been honoured yet.

Museveni made the promise at State House in Entebbe on July 8, 2019, after the Cranes, under French coach Sebastien Desabre went on to reach the knockout stage.

They were eliminated by eventual finalists Senegal in the Round of 16 after going down 1-0.

The Cranes had not qualified for the knockout stage since their runners-up finish in Ghana in 1978.
  

Zinedine Zidane has claimed Real Madrid will accept the congested fixture list for what it is, despite the club complaining to La Liga.

Los Blancos issued a complaint to top-flight officials on Monday after the schedule for matchdays 33 and 34 of the season left them with less than 72 hours between fixtures against Getafe and Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid felt this left them at a disadvantage compared to title rivals Barcelona, who were given five days of rest between games against Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.

However, it has since emerged that Madrid will have accumulated more rest – approximately 26 hours in total – than Barca until matchday 35, and asked if he felt the club's complaints to La Liga were fair, Zidane insisted he is fully focused on preparing his side for the fixture list as it stands.

"Everyone does their job here, I do my thing. I have my opinion, one day are the schedules, another the referees, there is always something," Zidane, who turned 48 on Tuesday, told a news conference ahead of Madrid's clash with Real Mallorca.

"My job is already quite complicated, my concern is [Wednesday's] game, it is a final, there are eight games to go and it is very important. It is what interests me. 

"The calendar is what it is, what we have to do as a team is to only think about resting. The games are what they are, eleven games in a short time and we have to take care of these details."

"I don't know, there are many people, Madrid is an important club that is talked about every day," Zidane answered when asked if there could potentially be a campaign against Madrid.

"Everyone can comment, in the end, it's not about that. I don't get into whether it's right or wrong. Each person does his job, it is a difficult task. 

"I only think about preparing the games well. That is what interests us, nothing else."

Madrid survived a fightback from Real Sociedad – with some good fortune courtesy of VAR – to move top of La Liga on Sunday, courtesy of a 2-1 win at Anoeta. 

Eden Hazard was an unused substitute in the Basque Country, while Sergio Ramos also went off with an apparent knee injury, with Zidane waiting on the availability of both players for Wednesday's clash with Mallorca.

"We will see tomorrow, there are many games in a few days and the recovery is important," he said.

"We will see, it is day to day. We have not done many things today, we will see [on Wednesday]."

South African Football Association (Safa) acting CEO Tebogo Motlanthe has broken his silence on the latest National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which took place on Saturday. 

In the meeting, the Safa NEC resolved to removed both Ria Ledwaba and Gay Mokoena from their positions as Danny Jordaan's vice-presidents. 

According to Motlanthe, the NEC made it clear that it has lost confidence in both Ledwaba and Mokoena while confirming that previously, the vice-presidents were voted for by the congress but that has since been amended, resulting in the dismissal of the pair.   

"The Safa constitution was amended prior to the election, previously the vice president was voted by the Congress but now the NEC elects the vice presidents. In the meeting on Saturday, the Executive Committee said we have lost confidence in Ms Ledwaba and Mr Mokoena," Motlanthe told SA FM. 

"Now, if people who have voted for you say we have no confidence in you, then you must vacate the position. That's exactly what happened. A member can be voted out at any time. It takes just one motion, for someone to stand up and say, I don't have confidence and you get support.

"To be clear, they're not voted out of the Executive, it's just that their powers to be Vice Presidents have been taken away from them. They are however still members of the NEC. This will go to the Congress, as we did with Chief Nonkonyane."

Motlanthe, who doubles up as Safa's legal head, said the association hasn't replaced Ledwaba and Mokoena, meaning the Xolile Nkomphela and Dr Irvin Khoza are the only two vice-presidents to Jordaan.  

"They have not yet been replaced. But its simple, if one person stands up and says we have lost confidence, then the voting starts and we go with the majority. That's what happened in this case," continued Motlanthe. 

Furthermore, Motlanthe revealed that Ledwaba was wrong to write to Minister of Sports Nathi Mthethwa in an attempt to seek intervention in the matter involving Mokoena's removal from the position of acting CEO of the country's FA, adding that Fifa rules are against her actions.  

"Ms Ledwaba knows she was wrong. She is now playing with semantics by saying intervention is not interference but she wrote to the Minister, asking him to intervene. Fifa rules are clear, the government is not allowed to interfere with football matters," he added.

"If she feels the President was not responding to her, then why did she not petition us as the NEC?" 

Motlanthe said Ledwaba admitted in the meeting that she might have made a mistake by writing to Mthethwa.   

"She knows she was wrong. At some point in the meeting, she admitted that she might have made a mistake," he continued.

Meanwhile, Motlanthe expressed delight after his tenure as acting CEO of Safa was extended until December. 

He said he didn't think twice about accepting the recommendation made by the Executive Committee, more so because he understands the association's rules better.  

"I'm happy that my term has been extended to December. It was a recommendation from the NEC. I didn't hesitate to accept, because I now understand how things operate at the organization," concluded Motlanthe. 

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants AFC Leopards are set to open their official club merchandise shop by the end of June.

The 13-time league champions have been trying to set up structures to enable them to get a sustainable financial income.

After revealing their intentions of setting up a sports facility a couple of weeks ago, the KPL side has already made another step.

"We have done most of the things regarding the merchandise shop, and by the end of this month, we believe it will be up and running," excited Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda told Goal on Tuesday.

"It will be located at the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) where it will be easier for our fans to locate. We will have club replica jerseys, caps, t-shirts, bands, watches... everything with Ingwe brand.

"The fans will have a way of directly contributing to the club's growth by purchasing the Ingwe merchandise from the shop.

"We will also have our match-day tickets sold at the shop at any given time."

The former striker did not hesitate to comment on the quality of the goods to be stocked.

"We will have quality jerseys for our fans which will be durable as compared to the counterfeit ones which do not last," Shikanda added.

"Cheap is expensive, so for those who want to go for low-quality merchandise by other vendors, we cannot stop them. But buying in our shop will help us grow.

"Our plan is to expand and have branches all over the country."

Wazito are the only club in the top tier with an official merchandise shop.

Recently, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia entered into a sponsorship deal with a new betting firm Betsafe.

The two local giants and Betsafe, yet to launch their services in the Kenyan market, signed a partnership deal that will last for the next three years.

According to the details of the deal, AFC Leopards will get KSh45 million per year while Gor Mahia will get KSh55 million per year from the sponsor.

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been struggling since SportPesa, their previous sponsor left, leaving the clubs to depend on fans, members, and other well-wishers to honour matches and settle players' allowances at times.

Salary delays saw AFC Leopards lose key foreign players like Vincent Habamahoro, Ismail Diarra, captain Soter Kayumba, Tresor Ndikumana and Rwandan coach Casa Mbungo.

Whyvonne Isuza, Brian Marita, John Makwatta left for Wazito FC, Tusker, and Zesco United, respectively, when life without pay at AFC Leopards became difficult.

Gor Mahia were hit hard given that they had to look for finances to help the team honour both local and continental matches without a financial partner.

K'Ogalo players, at times, had to boycott training sessions in protest of a lack of payment.

It is the second time the two Mashemeji Derby rivals are signing a joint sponsorship deal with a betting firm after enjoying a similar relationship with SportPesa.

Malaysia U-19 goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman could see the funny side of the recent 2020 AFC U-19 Championship draw. Alongside Qatar and Yemen, the Young Tigers have also been drawn together with Tajikistan in Group D in the finals, which will be held in Uzbekistan from October 14 to 31.

The young custodian has gone through a memorable experience against the Tajiks, the last time they met back in 2018.

Then playing for Malaysia U-16 in the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, he helped the hosts record an exciting 6-2 win over the Tajiks in the tournament-opening encounter. Unfortunately for Izhan, he found himself sent off for a dangerous in-the-air challenge with seconds remaining on the clock, a lunge that he maintains was not a malicious one to this day.

When contacted by Goal for comments on the draw on Tuesday, the teenager could afford to joke about the fact that the two teams will be meeting again, at a higher age level.

"I'm reliving my trauma once again! (Laughs) But on a serious note, that incident was a very good lesson for me, and Lim Teong Kim (Malaysia U-16 head coach at the time) told me that as a youth footballer I could not avoid making mistakes like that.

"For now I just want to build on my place in the Selangor 2 first eleven in order to earn a Malaysia call-up spot. But my targets are admittedly lofty; I want to play in the AFC finals and help the team reach the [2020 U-20] World Cup (by reaching the AFC semi-finals). This is my second chance to get to the World Cup,"

But before that could happen, his attention is now on training with Selangor 2, where many of his Malaysia U-19 teammates also are. The Premier League side were the second Malaysian league team to be allowed to return to training last week, post-Covid 19 quarantine.

He revealed to Goal what training amidst coronavirus concerns entails, with the Malaysian government permitting only non-contact sporting activities and training to be conducted for the time being.

"For us at the reserve team, we've been divided into three training groups of ten players each. Today for example, the first group will train at 4.30 pm, the second at 5.30 pm, and the last group will undergo training at 6.30 pm.

"As a goalkeeper, I would begin with warm-up, then a 10-minute jog, before proceeding with goalkeeping sets. For the outfield players, they would continue with ball-control drills. 

"There's not much that's different to be honest, but what is different for me is that while previously goalkeepers would train together, we now train separately because each group will include only one goalie. It's a little lonely that way, and also tiring. While previously the goalkeeping duty during practice, for example in outfield players' shooting drills, was shared among all the squad goalkeepers, now each goalkeeper has to do everything because he would be the only custodian on the pitch at the time," explained the former Mokhtar Dahari Academy graduate.

Mason Greenwood is the "real deal", according to Quinton Fortune, who says the Manchester United starlet 'couldn't ask for a better manager' to develop under than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Greenwood has proven himself as a key member of United's squad in 2019-20, while competing with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for a regular spot in Solskjaer's line-up.

Despite the fact that most of the 18-year-old's 39 appearances have come from the bench, he has still managed to notch 14 goals, and his ability to score with both feet has seen him compared to former United striker Robin van Persie.

He made an impressive return to action following the three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus against Tottenham on Friday, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 1-1 draw in north London.

Greenwood made a strong case for a starting berth in United's next outing at home to Sheffield United in midweek, which is a must-win game in their ongoing pursuit of a top-four finish.

Fortune is in awe of the teenager's ability, but says what really sets him apart from the rest is his drive to improve behind the scenes.

“This is how amazing Mason is and why he’s a little bit different,” the ex-United midfielder told the club's official website.

“I’m walking through the building at the Aon Training Complex and there’s a computer room where the analyst team work.

“Mason was in there, looking at games and how he can do better. He’s on it. He’s just a natural. He’s an unbelievable finisher. He’s the real deal.”

Fortune added on Solskjaer being the ideal man to help Greenwood reach his full potential: “Mason is fortunate he’s got Ole as a manager.

"Obviously there’s all the coaches he’s had through his youth-team career but he couldn’t ask for a better manager because Ole’s done it at the highest level."

Greenwood has been tipped to earn a call up to Gareth Southgate's England squad if he continues on his current trajectory, with the European Championship now a realistic goal due to the fact the tournament has been pushed back to 2021 amid the continued threat of Covid-19.

Fortune went on to highlight the qualities that make the United forward such a dangerous player in the final third, while insisting he already has "everything" to be a top player.

“There’s not many players in world football that are able to go both ways like Mason does. Equally, left and right foot, he’s ridiculous," said Fortune.

“I thought he was left-footed and then he takes penalties with his right! And I’ve seen him take a free kick with his right foot, his left foot.

“I’m like ‘what’s wrong with you!? Just pick one! Are you okay?’

“I’m waiting for him to have a burst of speed but he’s so good around the box. Stepover, boom! He’s just created that one little yard for him and boom!

“As a defender, which way do you show Mason? He can go right, he can go left. I don’t even know, the guy’s got everything.”

Matteo Guendouzi is “not good enough to go around giving people stick”, says Perry Groves, with the Arsenal midfielder urged to learn some “humility” on the back of his spat with Brighton striker Neal Maupay.

The Gunners saw their French youngster spark an angry on-field exchange following the full-time whistle in their 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Maupay had netted a dramatic winner for the Seagulls in that contest, but had previously played a part in the unfortunate injury suffered by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno – as he nudged the Germany international while he was in the air and forced him to land awkwardly.

Guendouzi did not take too kindly to that and was in the ear of his fellow countryman for much of another disappointing outing for Arsenal.

Groves believes the 21-year-old needs to focus more on his football than running battles with opponents, with there still much for him to learn on and off the pitch.

The former Arsenal star told talkSPORT of a player whose attitude has been questioned on a regular basis of late: “Guendouzi is playing in centre midfield, he hasn’t got the awareness to play that role – getting on the ball, getting on the half turn, bringing people into games.

“He’s about energy, he’s a dog chasing a tyre. His enthusiasm, that’s what he’s about.

“But I’ve heard a few things that haven’t been great about Guendouzi’s attitude, about having a bit of humility.

“You want your players to be confident and a little bit arrogant on the pitch, but he’s not good enough to go around giving people stick and giving people verbals. The team isn’t good enough.

“If Maupay has been getting it in his ear all game from Guendouzi and then scores the winner, he’s absolutely within his rights to go ‘really, what have you got to say now?’

“For Guendouzi to then grab him around the throat, someone needs – whether it’s Arteta or a member of the coaching staff or senior players – to tell Guendouzi to wind his neck in and concentrate on playing.”

Guendouzi has escaped punishment for his confrontation with Maupay, but Groves is not the first to suggest that a player with obvious potential needs to change his ways and start maturing.

Ex-Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere told Goal in May: “He’s like my little brother and I always told him that Arsenal would be a very good team for his development as a player and as a human being.

“He took my advice and came to the club, but I just feel Matteo hasn’t grown up as a human being yet. He’s grown up as a player, he’s matured massively as a player and every year he gets better.

"But unfortunately as a man, he hasn’t grown and matured as much as I thought he would by joining Arsenal.

“I think that’s what he’s missing and that’s why he’s not playing as much under Mikel [Arteta] because Mikel is not really up for that.”

Tanzania Mainland League side Azam FC have lodged an official complaint to the Tanzanian Premier League Board (TPLB) against the three officials who were in charge of their game away to Yanga SC.

In the match that ended in a goalless draw, Heri Sasii was the centre referee with Mbaraka Haule and Soud Lila assisting him. According to Azam, the trio made some grave mistakes - a denied penalty for either side and two legit goals flagged for offside.

"We have written to the board regarding the officiating witnessed on Sunday in a league game away to Yanga SC," read the letter to the TPLB and obtained by Goal.

"Azam were denied a legit goal scored by Abdallah Kheri who converted an Iddi Selemani cross with the officials arguing the former was in an offside position which is not true.

"The same happened in the 47th minute, this time around Never Tigere converting a Richard Djodi pass, but again the assistant referee flagged the goal scorer for offside which again was not the case. 

"With 15 minutes to go, our defender Nicholas Wadada was fouled in the danger zone and we expected the referee to award [Azam] a penalty. To our dismay, the referee waved play-on and the opportunity was lost."

The FA Cup champions have now urged the Board to consider their complaint and take the necessary action.

"We are writing this letter asking for an investigation in the aforementioned matter and action to be taken to those responsible," the letter continued.

"This is not the first time such incidents are happening against Azam; we believe the Board will find a lasting solution."

Wadada was again the centre of attention in the 70th minute when he appeared to foul David Molinga in the danger zone but the referee chose to ignore the incident.

Azam custodian Benedict Haule, who was deputising for Ghanaian Razak Abalora, was the hero for the visitors after making several saves including in two one-on-one situations to deny David Molinga and Patrick Sibomana.

He was commanding and bailed out his defenders on numerous occasions to ensure his side got at least a point.

"Even when we had taken a break owing to Covid-19, I continued practising harder to remain fit because I knew the league was still on," the custodian told reporters after the match.

"My main aim was to remain as fit as possible in that I could help my team when the chance comes my way. 

"Goalkeeping department is a critical department; when your competitor gets a chance and proves his worth, then you will have to wait longer. So when my chance came, I had to prove my worth and show I am capable of stepping in.

"I believe I did enough to convince the technical bench my services can be depended on."

Jose Mourinho has vowed to be patient with Harry Kane as the Tottenham striker bids to return to his "normal level".

Kane made his first appearance for Spurs in six months against Manchester United on Friday, taking in a full 90 minutes as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in north London.

The England international was sidelined with a hamstring injury at the start of January, and was a major doubt for the rest of the season before the coronavirus outbreak stopped play in March.

The 26-year-old used the three-month hiatus to get himself back into peak physical condition, with a view to helping Tottenham fight for a place in the Premier League's top four.

Kane was criticised for his subdued performance in the stalemate with United, but Mourinho has defended his talismanic forward while promising he will be given all the time he needs to rediscover his best form.

"Harry did amazing," the Portuguese told Sky Sports . "I don't think any player being six months without playing football and after an important surgery and after a very difficult period to recover because of the lockdown rules affected a lot the recovering of players, I think nobody could do better than what he did for the team.

"Seven goals in 10 matches [under Mourinho, prior to his injury] would give an average of 14 in 20. An average of 28 in 40. So we are there. But of course, now we have to wait.

"And just because of one game, in a fixture where the majority of the strikers in the Premier League struggle to show that sharpness, to show that quality that they all have, people only turn to Harry. Because Harry is special, because with Harry anything less than scoring a hat-trick is not good enough.

"But I'm not that way. I don't analyse things that way. I'm very, very patient. He will have all the time he needs to recover to his normal level."

Spurs were decimated by injuries prior to the break in the season, with Son Heung-min, Moussa Sissoko and winter signing Steven Bergwijn all joining Kane on the crocked list.

However, Mourinho will have all four players available when his side play host to West Ham on Tuesday, along with Lucas Moura, Eric Lamela and Dele Alli.

The Tottenham manager insists he won't need to dip into the summer transfer window for reinforcements in the final third if everyone can stay fit, as he added: "It's fantastic.

"Tottenham always had a fantastic group of attacking players and in the January market Steven Bergwijn coming even improved that. Not just to be one more, but to be one more fantastic player with great ability.

"So now we have the six players available which is a very, very good attacking force that allows us to start the game and have players on the bench to make changes in case we have a need.

"All I can say is with six attacking players available in this moment, I don't need [to sign] attacking players."

Dean Henderson is destined to inherit Manchester United’s No.1 spot from David de Gea, says Oliver Norwood, with the Sheffield United loanee considered to be “confident” enough to handle the added pressure that will soon come his way.

Many are tipping a custodian who has enjoyed two productive stints at Bramall Lane to become a long-term option between the sticks for those at Old Trafford.

Henderson is, however, just 23 years of age and continues to see his route to the first team blocked at the Theatre of Dreams.

Questions are being asked of Dea Gea, though, with the Spain international no longer considered to be the model of consistency that once landed him three Player of the Year awards at United.

That could see a door swing open for Henderson, while there has also been talk of the highly-rated youngster inheriting starting duties with England from Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford.

Norwood, who has been working alongside Henderson in Sheffield for the last two seasons, believes it is only a matter of time before prominent roles are filled, with there every reason to believe that he will relish the added responsibility coming his way.

“Definitely, he's proven himself this season, he's up there with most clean sheets in the league so he's obviously doing something right,” Blades midfielder Norwood told Sky Sports when asked if he can see Henderson becoming a go-to option in Manchester.

“I've read a few things from different people and I do agree that there would be a lot more pressure on him going and playing as Manchester United's No.1 rather than Sheffield United's - the scrutiny he would be under being England's No.1 as well.

“I'm sure Hendo can handle that. He's sure of himself, he's very confident.

“I'm delighted he's staying until the end of the season to help us, I have no doubt over the next [eight] games he will pick up some points for us.

“Next season is next season, we are not looking that far ahead.”

Norwood and Henderson will be lining up against Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Both are products of a famed academy system in the North West, with Norwood having come through the Red Devils’ youth ranks at the same time as Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.

He has kept a close eye on the development of those he once chased the same dream alongside and considers France international Pogba to be a “misunderstood” character – with the 27-year-old continuing to divide opinion when it comes to his ability and attitude.

“Paul I've known for a long time, a World Cup winner, a Serie A winner - he's done everything in the game. The amount of stick he gets is incredible at times,” said Norwood.

Asked directly if Pogba is misunderstood, the Northern Ireland international added: “I think so, yeah. He's actually a really nice down-to-earth lad, he was when I knew him.

“When we were in the youth team he was always singing and dancing then, so it's nothing to do with the hype [surrounding] him now.”

After three seasons of Spanish flavour, Odisha FC have roped in British manager and former South African national team coach Stuart Baxter to lead the club in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Baxter, who has vast managerial experience in eight different countries, will head to India for the first time in his career. The former Bafana Bafana head coach spoke about the upcoming project with the ISL side and what he wants to achieve.

He believes the factors behind winning a game are the same everywhere and it is the same in India as well.

“In principle, you can take every country in the world, you can take every team in the world. Especially, the successful ones and you can say the same things that you see here in India are in the Premier League. The same six things to win a game of football and those are principles. Let’s call those the supporting walls of this building. If you want to put a window there or a door there and paint the wall red or blue that is about style. But, whichever style, you have to achieve those six things.

“So, I will be using these six things because that is what everybody uses and then, it will depend on the players we have, will depend on what suits them best and will depend on my ability to communicate. Hope, the players will learn quickly, I will learn quickly and we go on the same page and then we will be able to do those six things whichever style we decide goes with the best.”

Baxter also suggested that he is not a great believer of completely moulding the existing style of the team and imposing his own philosophy on the players.

“The Spanish coaches before me must have given the players a certain flavour and I don’t believe in breaking everything down and rebuilding it because there’s obviously some good work done. I remember after I won a league a new coach came in and said, ‘No, just because you won the league, doesn’t mean everything is ok.’ So, he broke everything down and the team finished eighth.

“I think there’s some good work done and I will retain that good work and hopefully, I will build upon it and hopefully, I will find a way of playing which we all will enjoy and it will give us some result. I don’t have expectations. The people I have spoken to say that the Indian players are ambitious.

He took an interesting analogy to assert that he will try and help Indian footballers play to their strengths.

"I had an interesting conversation with Faf du Plessis (the South African cricketer). He said that the Indian cricketers (sportsman) are fantastic when on the front foot when they go on the back foot, they have too much to do. If they don’t do that they will be totally unplayable.

“So, my job, I believe, is to make sure that my Odisha players feel like mentally on the front foot in any case and I think all of those things will go together into a style. We will bring in together the works that have been done until now and new stuff that we wanna do and describe it in a way that the players feel “Yeah! Let’s go on the front foot.

He also insisted that he was looking to adapt to the squad rather than imposing his philosophy on them.

“The onus is on the coaches because I know a lot of coaches (good friends or colleagues of mine) - they go to a new setup, not even a new culture may be in the same country they are working. They take their way of playing football and they impose it on the squad. Many times, the squad doesn’t want that.

"I need to be the coach that the squad needs and not the coach that I always wanted to be no matter what the culture, no matter what the personality, no matter what the style, I impose myself; I don’t think that’s right. I need to be the coach that this squad of players need.”

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wade du Plessis has lauded Kaizer Chiefs as the biggest club on the African continent.

The retired shot-stopper was on the books of Amakhosi between 1990 and 1993, and he helped the team clinch two National Soccer League (NSL) titles.

Du Plessis, who was Chiefs' first-choice keeper between 1991 and 1992, explained what it meant to play for the Glamour Boys.

“Kaizer Chiefs represents success, trophies, league titles, professionalism and quality players,” Du Plessis told the club's official website.

“It’s the biggest club in Africa. Every youngster dreams about donning the Gold and Black one day.”

Du Plessis was part of the Amakhosi team which included the likes Doctor Khumalo, Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Gardner Seale, Ace Khuse, Shane MacGregor and Fani Madida in the early 1990s.

The 1991 season proved to be his best season as a Chiefs player as he inspired the team to the NSL title, having conceded only 20 goals in 34 games.

As a result, the Durban-born legend scooped the Goalkeeper of the Year and Save of the Year awards that season.

“The 1991 and 1992 side was phenomenal,” Du Plessis, who had a trial stint at English side Chelsea in 1986, recalled.

The former Durban City shot-stopper proudly remembered the Amakhosi supporters and he explained their importance to the club.

“The Chiefs supporters are the soul of the game, and as with the biggest clubs in Africa, come with a massive following," he said.

In 1993, Du Plessis decided to leave Amakhosi for D’Alberton Callies having also helped Chiefs clinch two BP Top 8 Cups (MTN8) and Bob Save Super Bowl (Nedbank Cup) titles.

“I should never have left Kaizer Chiefs despite the increased financial benefit I would receive from my new club,” he reflected.

“Playing for Amakhosi is just so exceptional. One only realizes how special it is after you have left the club.”

Du Plessis went on to play for Chiefs' arch-rivals Pirates, Michau Warriors and AmaZulu FC, before retiring from professional football in 1999 due to a serious back injury.

The former Bafana Bafana keeper was proud to be part of Amakhosi's rich history as the club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

“This moment is still history in the making. But, when I kept goal for the club in the early nineties, it represented Golden Years," he concluded.

He has two Bafana caps having played against Ivory Coast and Cameroon in 1994.

Experienced tactician Bobby Williamson believes AFC Leopards have what it takes to emulate their bitter rivals Gor Mahia's recent success.

K'Ogalo have been dominating the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) in recent years and since 2013, they have managed to win six titles. For Ingwe , it is a different story; the last time they tasted league success was back in 1998.

"I might not know much about AFC Leopards' structures, but I believe they have what it takes to emulate Gor Mahia," Williamson, who led K'Ogalo to the 2013 title for the first time in 18 years, told Goal on Tuesday.

"Leopards match Gor Mahia in some aspects. For example, they enjoy massive following in the country and their fans are passionate just like Gor fans. I believe the league needs strong AFC Leopards."

The 58-year-old former Harambee Stars coach believes the secret lies with stability on technical bench.

"There must be continuity in the coaching department; if the club can stand by a coach for 4-5 years, they can be successful," Williamson added.

"Players cannot be complacent if they know the coach is going to be around for the long term.

"The tacticians need the backing of the chairmen as well, and by doing that, the team will slowly realize its potential and hit greater heights. Then we have the winning mentality which has to be installed to the players."

In an earlier interview, the Scot revealed why K'Ogalo have been doing well consistently.

"It is all about the mentality they have; that winning mentality," Williamson told  Goal .

"Before I arrived, they were close to winning the title, they then got over the line. I said after we had won the league, that they would never wait 18 long years again and that has been proven. The recruitment is important and they have brought coaches on board that have kept that momentum going."

The experienced tactician has also revealed the influence of chairman Ambrose Rachier.

"The chairman has been important to the club's success. He said I was the catalyst back then but to date, I believe he was and still is since he has seen coaches coming and going but the winning is ongoing," Williamson added.

"It is not just the team on the park but it is also about the team off the park that is important and also the fans' hunger for more success."

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has hailed the return to fitness of two key defenders – Philemon Otieno and Wellington Ochieng.

Otieno injured his leg while turning out for Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the African Nations Champions (Chan) qualifying match against Tanzania, and had to undergo surgery which kept him out of action for the better part of last season.

On the other hand, Ochieng picked up an injury during the early stages of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season, against Mathare United, and despite trying to make a comeback after feeling better, he aggravated the injury and was also forced to go under the knife, thus missing most of the season.

The British coach has now told Goal the two players have recovered fully from their respective setbacks after a turbulent campaign and they will be of help when the new season kicks-off at the end of August.

“I am really very happy to see the two boys [Otieno and Ochieng] back, they have really worked hard to return from the setbacks they suffered in the early stages of last season but they have fully recovered now,” Polack told Goal on Tuesday.

“All the two players are fit now, for Otieno he played a game for us before the coronavirus pandemic, a friendly where we gave him 45 minutes and he came out unscathed, you could see how he battled well to impress the bench in the build-up, he is very okay now.

“Let us see when we start training for the new season, and we check them again, the two will be our first signings, they will come back stronger and will fight to play for us, I think they will be our first signings as they are coming back after a very long layoff, we must be happy to be covered in their positions.”

Gor Mahia, who were crowned the league champions for the fourth season in a row after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to end the season owing to the Covid-19, will represent the country in the Caf Champions League and Polack believes for the team to do well, they must keep their best players.

“I have talked to the team’s top brass and told them the importance of keeping our squad intact,” Polack continued.

“We must fight very hard to keep our best players, we need consistency to prevail in the Caf competition and it's the reason I want my key players to stay.

“I have asked the management to start talking to players whose contracts are running down, or have already run down, we need the team together, we want to build a strong team and this can only be achieved if we stick with our squad for another two or three seasons.”

Goal understands captain Kenneth Muguna and his assistant Joash Onyango are among the key players who could leave K’Ogalo in the next transfer window.