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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant Sam Nywamweya has criticised Nick Mwendwa's actions, saying it chased away South Africa-based broadcaster SuperSport.

The Johannesburg-based broadcaster ended its contract to air the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches after the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruling which recognized the FKF's decision to add two more teams to the top-tier in 2017.

Nyamweya, who has been a huge critic of his successor, says Mwendwa's actions are to be blamed for the broadcaster's exit.

“His [Mwendwa’s] acts made SuperSport TV run and that is his biggest sin. SuperSport ran away because FKF forced KPL to have 18 teams and not 16,” Nyamweya told Radio Jambo.

“After they had their way, FKF promised to give KPL financial support, in front of the SDT, for having 18 teams in the league. They never did that. 

“Economically, it was not possible for KPL to have 18 teams and this is the reason we lost them.”

Kenya had won the rights to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) but the rights were later withdrawn due to lack of preparedness and Nyamweya counts that as another failure by Mwendwa.

“Failure to host Chan is another biggest failure. Despite stating there were pitches ready for the tournament, that was not the case eventually as it emerged,” added the former president. 

The FKF has also had to deal with questions arising from the use of funds, especially the KSh244M given to them to facilitate their preparations for the 2019 African Cup of Nations, and Nyamweya said they must be held accountable.

“Lack of accountability and transparency on government, Fifa and Caf funds is another big issue with the current FKF,” added the aspirant.

“The former Permanent Secretary Peter Kaberia and the Sports Cabinet Secretary have questioned their use of funds before. 

“If you get such a huge amount of money and you are not accountable, that becomes a big problem. 

“Caf has been sending money but unfortunately the same cannot be accounted for. During my time, we only got USD 250,000 per year and the government financial support was meagre, to say the least.

“I can remember before our game against Cape Verde [a World Cup qualifier in 2015], we got money from the government on Friday when the team was to travel on Saturday. How would you purchase air tickets and prepare in such circumstances?

“Recently, the government gave the federation KSh244 million something that was never enjoyed during the previous administrations.

“We worked hard despite the challenges and ensured no player owed us any of their allowances.”

Former Southampton Under-23 manager Radhi Jaidi has taken to social media to congratulate academy product Nathan Tella, who made his Premier League debut in the 3-0 win at Norwich City on Friday.

The Anglo-Nigerian winger started from the bench and came on for Danny Ings in the 88th minute.

In the two minutes he spent on the pitch, the 20-year-old had three touches on the ball and won two of his three total duels.

The game at Carrow Road was the first to mark Matchday 30 Premier League fixtures, the first full round of games since the league was suspended in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Danny Ings got the ball rolling four minutes into the second half with the assist from Stuart Armstrong.

Ings then returned the favour for Armstrong to score in the 54th minute before Nathan Redmond wrapped it up 11 minutes before full-time with Nigerian turned Irish forward Michael Obafemi providing the assist.

Friday's victory sent Southampton 10 points clear of the relegation zone with eight matches left to play.

"Great win Southampton and congratulations for another Premier League debut and academy product Nathan Tella, very proud of you," Jaidi posted on Twitter.

Tella has been on the books of Southampton as a youth player since 2017 when he joined from Arsenal.

He was coached by Jaidi who headed the Saints' Under-23 squad between 2017 and 2019, leading them to promotion to Division 1 of the Premier League 2 for the 2019-20 season.

Tella has played 39 times for the Southampton Under-23, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

His contract with the south coast club expires at the end of June, but it's yet to be seen if he will be given an extension after he impressed coach Ralph Hasenhuttl in a pre-match friendly with Bristol City, where one of his efforts from outside the box hit the inside of the post.

Jaidi is now in charge of Hartford Athletic in the United States and was previously a player with Southampton, featuring 66 times between 2009 and 2012, when he hung up his boots.

The 44-year-old was an Africa Cup of Nations winner with Tunisia on home soil in 2004.

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has revealed how he successfully fought off two thieves who attempted to steal his Rolex watch.

The Italy international was stopped at a set of traffic lights in his car near Roma’s Stadio Olimpico when the incident happened on Friday morning.

Il Messaggero reports that one of the assailants attempted to get into his Porsche Cayenne and steal a Rolex watch from his wrist, but Cristante managed to punch him to the floor, forcing him and another man to drive away on a scooter.

Two plainclothes policemen who were nearby noticed the scuffle, but the pair had managed to flee before they could intervene.

"It was 10:30am and I was in my car waiting between Viale Angelico and Viale delle Milizie for the red light to change,” Cristante told Il Messaggero.

“All of a sudden a person with a helmet tried to get into my car, grabbed my wrist and tried to steal my watch. 

“I reacted by punching his helmet twice, which split the visor. The robber fell to the ground and I could see he didn't know what to do before an accomplice arrived on a T-Max (scooter) and they drove away.”

Cristante has made 21 appearances for Roma so far this season, scoring once. It is his second season in the Italian capital having joined initially on loan from fellow Serie A outfit Atalanta in the summer of 2018.

The 25-year-old and his Roma team-mates are preparing for their first game back after the coronavirus shutdown at home to Sampdoria on Wednesday. Paulo Fonseca’s side are currently fifth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Atalanta, who have a game in hand.

Italian football resumed earlier this month with the Coppa Italia semi-finals and final, with Napoli overcoming Juventus on penalties to win the title for a sixth time on Wednesday.

The remaining 124 Serie A matches will now be played out over 43 days, starting on Saturday with the four remaining fixtures from gameweek 25 - all of which were postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak in March.

Juventus currently lead the table by one point ahead of Lazio as they seek a ninth-successive Scudetto.

Osinachi Ohale has appreciated Spanish side Club Deportivo (CD) Tacon ahead of a rumoured move to Serie A this summer.

The Nigeria international spent the 2019-20 season at the Spanish Primera Iberdrola outfit and made 15 appearances, scoring twice in the process for David Aznar's side since joining last September.

Of her two goals, the first came in Tacon's 5-1 thrashing of Toni Payne's Sevilla on January 4 and the second in a 4-3 win over rivals Madrid CFF in a local derby in the capital four weeks later.

And following the league cancellation in May, which saw her side finish 10th this season - with 23 points from 21 matches - the 28-year-old has thanked the entire club setup.

"Hi everyone. It is time to announce that I will be leaving CD Tacon when my contract expires at the end of the month and a new chapter is about to begin," Ohale wrote on Instagram.

"I would like to say thanks to everyone at the club and to the fans for all the support and love you have given me this year. 

"It has been amazing. As for my followers, I will let you know my next step in the very near future."

Before her move to Spain last year, Ohale previously starred for Damallsvenskan outfit Vaxjo, whom she joined from Vittsjo in 2018, playing 25 matches during her 12-month spell in Sweden.

The defender, who began her career with Rivers Angels and Delta Queens in Nigeria, also enjoyed a stint at National Women's Soccer League side Houston Dash in 2014 in the US.

At international level, she played for Nigeria at four Africa Women's Cup of Nations, winning on all occasions and also at three Women's World Cups, including at last year's event in France.

She is a top target for a number of top teams in Europe, including the Italian side AS Roma, who seek her services as a replacement for Federica Di Criscio, according to reports in Italy.

Having bid farewell to Tacon this week, the Super Falcons star is expected to reveal her next possible destination in the coming days.

Bernard has backed his Everton team-mate and Brazilian compatriot Richarlison to keep improving as the Toffees return from the coronavirus break.

Richarlison has talked his way into the headlines this week after calling out Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

With 10 Premier League goals in 27 appearances this season, the forward is three shy of his best effort to date, having registered five and 13 league goals in his previous campaigns.

“Richi is capable of adapting to any scenario during a match,” Bernard told EvertonTV.

“He's the type of player who's really aggressive in the box. He's fearless and not scared of putting himself about or taking a whack.

“Whatever is happening, the important thing for him is putting the ball in the back of the net.This makes him who he is, a player with a massive presence in the box.”

Richarlison turned 23 while football was suspended, and Bernard thinks he is going to keep getting better.

“He is still developing. When you look at him, he's still so young to be doing what he is in the Premier League.

“I am certain he will mature and become an even better player, not just in the way he plays but also in the way he understands and reads the game.”

As well as helping Everton climb the table under Carlo Ancelotti, both Bernard and Richarlison are hoping to make an impression on the international stage.

Richarlison has six goals in 19 games for Brazil while Bernard is hoping to add to his 14 caps, the last of which came six years ago.

“My objective for Everton's restart is to come back well and give my all, so we can get the wins and share joyful moments together,” Bernard added.

“I think to play for the national team in any country you have to be doing well for your club, so for me to think about the Brazilian Selecao, I have to think about Everton.

“It is good we can play at Goodison [rather than a neutral venue] but I'd be even more pleased if we were able to have our fans there.

“It’s a delicate situation coming back after the pandemic and two months out and going into a difficult fixture. But the game being a derby is an additional motivator for me and, I believe, all the players.

“We need to look after ourselves, be dedicated and as prepared as possible for a tough, intense game. It will also be a happy occasion because of this opportunity to play again at Goodison Park.”

Former Kibera Parliamentary aspirant Eliud Owalo has donated KSH250,000 to Gor Mahia and challenged them to adopt a sustainable business model.

Owalo's gesture to the players comes at a time they have faced delayed salaries as the club ran without a financial partner for the abandoned 2019/20 season.

The politician hosted the players, members of the technical bench, led by head coach Steven Polack, and the chairman Ambrose Rachier at a Nairobi Hotel on Saturday.

“Today, I hosted Gor Mahia for lunch at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi,” Owalo posted on his Facebook page.

“I utilized the occasion to make a humble contribution of KSh250,000 to the team for short-term minimal cushion against adverse effects of Covid-19.

“The playing unit was led by acting captain Joachim Oluoch and accompanied by club Chairman [Ambrose] Rachier, coach [Steven] Polack and Team Manager Jolawi Abondo.

“Moving forward, I submit that we must deploy a business-model in management of the club to make the club financially viable and sustainable.

“If Arsenal can do it, Gor Mahia can equally do it. If Barcelona can do it, why not Gor Mahia?”

One of the club's fans, in a reply to Owalo's post, challenged the K'Ogalo's officials to run the club professionally.

“Thank you Jakom [leader]. Our clubs are run very unprofessional. I've tried in vain to share how business models can be input in sports in Kenya,” Derick Boondox said in his reply.

“Teams need to have employments structures that are professional with a performance contract. Currently, office bearers are elected and run those teams like political parties.

“Why do our teams only attract betting firms to invest in them and not, other brands? These are the questions we should ask. What should these clubs do to recruit fans? How strong is the brand of these clubs different from just filling a roster in KPL? Let's get serious with sports, it's a billion-dollar industry.”

In an interview with Goal , Polack challenged the club to look for multiple sponsors so as to prevent financial instabilities should one opt-out.

“Let me explain to you, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket, because look at what happened to SportPesa, they dropped out and that was it, there was no one to support the club with money, there was no one to cover up after they left, you need to have at least three sponsors," said Polack.

“I am not only looking at Gor Mahia but even in South Africa teams have more than one sponsor, so they need to work hard and get more sponsors so they can be able to keep the club financially stable, but one thing is for sure, I know Gor Mahia officials are not going to sit and wait, they are going to work hard and get more sponsors, we have already talked about it."

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards recently signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Betsafe.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to use his profile to promote greater equality in society and would view his career as a failure if he didn’t do so, regardless of his achievements on the pitch.

The Premier League has played its part in trying to combat racism this week, with players’ shirts displaying "Black Lives Matter" across the back instead of their own names.

Players, officials, and coaches have also all taken the knee immediately prior to kick-off, a powerful gesture beamed to millions of people watching on TV across the world.

Alexander-Arnold, who joined his Liverpool team-mates in taking the knee before a training session at Anfield earlier this month, says he is fortunate to have not experienced racism directly during his life, but that doesn’t mean he is not affected by those who have been abused.

The Liverpool defender says education is key to eradicating racism from society and wants to use his profile to do his bit by influencing youngsters who see him as their role model.

“Racism as a whole is not only the person that it is directed to,” he told BT Sport. “Just because I haven’t been directly racially abused doesn’t mean I haven’t felt racially abused, I feel the pain they feel. It’s a community feeling, if you say it to one person, you say it to everyone.

“Maybe I put pressure on myself because I know that's the right thing to do. It’s what I believe in. I want to make sure I’m educating people and be a role model. I've got a big platform, I know a lot of kids look up to me.

"It's not just about being a role model on the pitch. I want to be someone who feels as though I've made a change in the way that people think.

“At the end of my career I want to look back that I influenced a generation, someone who made a change in the way people think.

"If I get through my career and I haven't done that then I'd see that as a failure on my part."

Though he is fully behind the symbolic gestures made by the Premier League this week, Alexander-Arnold thinks much more can be done on a practical level to ensure greater equality in the game, particularly off the pitch among coaching staff and boardrooms.

“There's not enough equality within the system,” he added. “For that to change we need black people in the boardrooms, we need people in there with a voice.

"We need equality from physios and kitmen, all the way up into the boardroom. We need everyone to have an opportunity.

“If two people are evenly deserving of a job, more times than not it will go to the white person, maybe subconsciously it happens.

“No one is asking to be given freebies. We want everyone to have an equal opportunity so when you are going into an interview you feel as though you are being judged on the right things. Not your skin colour or where you’re from, you are judged on your CV and how good a coach you are.”

Real Madrid should keep Sergio Ramos for the remainder of his career after making a mistake in allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to leave, says Predrag Mijatovic.

The defender's deal runs until the end of the 2020-21 season, by which time he will be 35.

Madrid have in the recent past allowed other legendary names to leave at the tail end of their playing days, including Ramos' former team-mates Raul and Iker Casillas, who moved on to Schalke and Porto respectively.

However, Mijatovic is adamant the Spain international must be retained despite his advancing years, giving him the chance to teach future generations about life with Los Blancos.

"We cannot afford to let our players help other teams, because they should be ours," the former Madrid forward told Stats Perform News.  "I would like to have this policy back.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't happen at Real Madrid. Raul had great history at Real Madrid and left in a bad way, Fernando Hierro the same, Casillas too.

"Now they are talking about Sergio Ramos [doing the same]. His contract has to be extended, two or three years, it doesn't matter. This guy has to finish his career at Real Madrid.

"He is important, almost a treasure of the club. Both for what he has done already and what he can do in the future, maybe not on the field, but teaching the young players who join Real Madrid on how to play, behave and adapt to the club. That's what it has to happen."

Madrid also let Ronaldo depart the Santiago Bernabeu for Juventus in 2018, while there has also been speculation Luka Modric, who turns 35 in September, could move on.

Both players were pivotal in helping to win the Champions League for three successive years during Zinedine Zidane's first spell in charge.

"If I had been at the club, I wouldn't let players like Cristiano, Sergio Ramos or Luka Modric leave," Mijatovic continued. 

"They are players that despite losing maybe a bit of fitness as the years go on, they are always very positive for the upcoming players.

"Let's imagine a young striker who comes in and learns from Cristiano, giving him advice. Or a young centre-back speaking with Sergio Ramos. Who could teach him better than Sergio Ramos on how he has to behave?

"Football is not just about having great players and then dropping them when you no longer need them. There are some players ...Italians do this perfectly. There are players like [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini, and these big players who are a great asset to the club."

La Liga have explained what exactly is entailed in the deal they signed with Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga SC).

La Liga, in conjunction with Sevilla, entered into a historic strategic consultancy agreement deal that targets to help the record Tanzanian league champions transform in various development aspects.

The deal, signed in June in the presence of former Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and expected to run for three years, will see Yanga advised on management and activities with the fans, digital transformation, marketing and sales, economic control, digitalisation or international development.

La Liga regional manager Africa Juan Botella has told Goal in an exclusive interview that the partnership will help transform Yanga into a strong outfit and help enhance their true potential.

“La Liga, as an institution with a long remarkable experience in professional football, and Sevilla as one of the top international clubs, are interested in promoting football in Tanzania helping one of the most important clubs of the country in its transformation process enhancing its true potential,” Botella told Goal.

“La Liga and Sevilla will jointly offer its services to Yanga, providing it with their knowledge and expertise, with the aim of professionalising the whole club structure.”

Botella also confirmed the project which started immediately after the deal was signed in Dar es Salaam, will stand a chance for renewal after they carry out a review when it elapses.

“The project that starts now will take place for over three seasons [part of 2019/2020, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23], but it has a preliminary stage based on the priorities set by the Yanga, in which La Liga and Sevilla will carry out a review and recommendations for some strategic areas,” Botella continued.

Asked whether the deal will involve friendly matches between Sevilla and Yanga, Botella explained: “It would not be the first time Sevilla plays in Tanzania, as they did in 2019 against Simba.

“It is something not to be excluded but the agreement we have signed goes far beyond a match between both clubs. At this stage, no matches have been set but we do not close any door.”

In an earlier interview with Goal, Botella revealed why La Liga picked to support Yanga over their mainland rivals Simba SC.

“Yanga and Simba are the two top teams of the country so they both have a huge fan base,” stated Botella.

“Looking specifically at Yanga, the most awarded club in the country, we do not have to forget some of Yanga figures; it boasts a large community on social networks, they are not just numbers, but the level of engagement is huge.

“Just think that during the official presentation of the deal, after an hour of the streaming event, more than 3000 people were still connected to YouTube and continued to send messages of gratitude.

“They have 27 Premier League titles [with five wins across the last 10 years], four Tanzania FA Cups, five Cecafa Club Cups, and the club also has leading sponsors in their fields.”

Arsenal suffered yet another injury blow when goalkeeper Bernd Leno had to be carried off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious leg injury during the first half of Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton, with the German appearing to blame Brighton striker Neal Maupay for the incident.

The 28-year-old screamed in agony when his right leg buckled underneath him after rushing out to claim a high ball on the edge of the penalty area.

His concerned team-mates quickly became aware of the seriousness of the injury and immediately called for the medical team to come onto the pitch.

After receiving extensive treatment, Leno was carried off the pitch on a stretcher but not before remonstrating with Maupay, who was in close proximity to the German as he competed for the high ball.

Replays showed Maupay had barged into Leno after the German had claimed the ball, which meant the Gunners number one was off-balance when he landed.

He was replaced by Emiliano Martinez for just his seventh Premier League appearance in nearly nine years at Emirates Stadium.

Leno, who joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2018, has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, with his replacement Martinez restricted to FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League duty.

It is the second injury blow for Arsenal in as many matches after defender Pablo Mari suffered ankle ligament damage against Manchester City on Wednesday and was ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

More to follow.

Andre Ayew provided an assist and also scored from the penalty spot as Swansea City beat Middlesbrough 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The English second-tier has been inactive since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic. During the lockdown, Andre spent time at the home of his younger brother and former Swansea player Jordan, now at Crystal Palace.

The Swans' last outing saw them play out a goalless draw with table leaders West Bromwich Albion at the Liberty Stadium. It was their third game without a win which dropped them out of the top 10.

They were in full swing however on Saturday with Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster opening proceedings in the 18th minute. Ayew made a run down the left flank and his pass found Brewster who tucked it in between the legs of Boro goalie Dejan Stojanovic.

Brewster made it 2-0 three minutes after he latched on to Franco-Congolese winger Aldo Kalulu’s cross and fired home a fierce volley that gave Stojanovic no chance of stopping it.

Ayew then finished the job from the spot in the 34th minute after Middlesbrough captain George Friend brought down Swansea’s Conor Gallagher in the penalty box.

The 30-year-old was taken off in the 81st minute and replaced by Bersant Celina. It was only the fifth time Ayew failed to complete 90 minutes in his 36 Championship appearances this season.

Only in the opening two matches of the season against Hull City and Derby, which ended in a win and draw, respectively, did Ayew fail to either make the matchday squad or starting XI.

Besides the goal and assist which was his 19th combined in the Championship this term, (13 goals, six assists), Ayew made 43 touches on the ball and 22 accurate passes (91.7%) which was the highest percentage of any player on the pitch.

He was also astute defensively, making four tackles and five clearances.

Swansea sit temporarily in seventh place, tied on 56 points with sixth-placed Preston North End who occupy the final Premier League promotion play-off spot.

Their next outing is a home tie with Luton Town at the Liberty on June 27.

Kaizer Chiefs players and officials have taken a first step toward returning to the training grounds. 

This comes after all the players were invited for screening and testing for the coronavirus on Saturday morning. 

As things stand, no PSL team has returned to training despite the government's easing of Lockdown Level 3 regulations to allow for contact sport to resume training. 

Amakhosi took to their Facebook page to confirm the latest developments inside the camp. 

"As per the mandate set out by #fifa and the #PSL our players have arrived for there #covid19 tests," said the club. 

According to the Soweto giants, all the players will be allowed back at training once everyone has completed the tests and no one is positive. 

"Once we have the all-clear we can get back to training."

To date, only Ben Motshwari of Orlando Pirates tested positive for the coronavirus but this was almost a month ago. 

The midfielder has since recovered and has rejoined his teammates for the club's online training. 

The PSL executive is yet to decide on the return date for competitive football and they have until June 30 to make a decision. 

Earlier this week, PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza confirmed plans to complete the suspended season in one province. 

However, it is still unclear which province the executive has identified, meaning the country still has to wait a little longer for the announcement. 

The Glamour Boys remain top of the PSL standings with 48 points from 22 league games. 

They lead second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns by four points although Pitso Mosimane's men have a game in hand. 

Chiefs still have to play Bidvest Wits twice this season, and those are the two fixtures Mosimane and the entire country will be watching with keen interest, especially after the Braamfontein-based side announced the sale of its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) owner Masala Mulaudzi.  

There is already a perception that the Students will not give their all in the remaining matches of the season as some players have already committed their futures elsewhere for next season. 

Khalid Aucho has revealed five players he never wanted to miss during his time in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) with Gor Mahia.

Aucho was signed by Gor Mahia in 2015, lifted the KPL title unbeaten under Frank Nuttall, and stayed until 2016. The five players, who the Ugandan never wanted to miss, were also critical to the Green Army but none is at the club now. 

“I will mention four, not three, let me mention five; [Godfrey] Walusimbi, [Meddie]Kagere, [Michael] Olunga, [Collins] 'Gattuso' Okoth, and [Innocent] Wafula,” Aucho told Gor Mahia's website.

“Whenever l had those five players on the pitch, l knew we were going to win whatever the situation was – those were real winners and they made every game easy for me.”

Apart from picking Okoth as a player he never wanted to miss in the team, Aucho also said the Kenyan midfielder is a man he enjoyed turning out for.

“Okoth remains to be that player l enjoyed playing with – he was a fantastic player,” said the 27-year old star.

On why Ugandan players have done well not only at Gor Mahia and but also in the region, Aucho picks hard work as their primary virtue.

“It’s always easy for Ugandan players to cross-over to East African countries. Once in a club, they work hard and put in a lot of effort to prove their worth,” explained El Makkasa's player.

“They always want to show what they have and working hard is always part of their plans; no laziness.”

The defensive midfielder also spoke how he felt after signing for K'Ogalo, and how his time there helped grow his career.

“Penning a deal at Gor Mahia was the best thing to happen to me. It boosted my confidence and l knew l was at a place where more people will get to know me,” Aucho revealed.

“To be honest, most of my fans are in Kenya and not Uganda and Gor Mahia gave me that free billboard to advertise myself to the world.

“From Gor Mahia to national team, l was so much at ease – no pressure at all. Gor Mahia has a special place in my heart. I truly appreciate the love Gor Mahia, as a club, gave me.

“I never imagined l would sign for Gor Mahia. Tusker were my employer then and being my first time in Kenya, my focus was all on the team but yes, a move to Gor Mahia was a big blessing.

“The best news ever to happen to me while in Kenya. It was a good one and it was about me to show the club and all the fans that indeed, they never went wrong in signing me.”

When Aucho left the Green Army, he joined Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Baroka FC.

Taking Bournemouth in isolation, there was probably no team in the bottom-half that needed a break more when the Premier League was suspended in early March.

The Cherries’ last game pre-pandemic was at Liverpool, a game they lost 2-1 despite leading 1-0 after nine minutes. By half-time, the Reds had turned the game around at Anfield to lead, and it stayed that way till the final whistle.

Sat in 18th after 29 gameweeks, Eddie Howe’s troops were staring relegation in the face following a run of one victory in five outings, and the prospect of losing their status in the top flight after five years was looking like a reality.

Even though the game at Anfield offered some positives for the side from the south coast, they needed the respite brought by the enforced break. Against the champions-elect, perhaps the biggest encouraging sign for Howe was how his midfield stood up to the might of the outgoing European champions.

Marshalled by the towering Philip Billing, the visitors gave everything in the middle of the park and could have equalized but for a goal-line clearance by James Milner in the second half. The Danish-Nigerian star was, without a doubt, Bournemouth’s best midfielder in that lunch-time kick-off on Merseyside; getting stuck in where necessary and creating three chances for the away team, which was higher than any of his other teammates.

Howe’s side mustered six attempts and he was involved in setting up half of those efforts. They created two clear-cut chances and the gangly Billing created one, unlucky to not register an assist against the best side in the country.

While that performance was exceptional, Billing has won the highest aerial duels for midfielders in the Premier League while posting impressive figures for total interceptions and clearances.

At the time, only Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi had made more interceptions than the former Denmark U-21 international, showing he had the nous to not only read the danger but also win back possession for his team.

Be that as it may, Bournemouth’s struggles this term have originated from their final third ineffectiveness and a painful lack of invention from the middle of the park. Despite forming a solid understanding with Colombia star Jefferson Lerma in the centre, the pair don’t offer enough going forward by measure of goals and assists, which has hurt the Cherries somewhat.

It's harsh to place the blame at the door of Lerma and Billing given their primary responsibility in the side isn’t to deliver goals and assists. Still, there’s a feeling both could be better in their output going forward.

Billing has played 0.6 key passes per game, while Lerma’s stands at 0.4 per match. The pair have created two big chances each this season and have both hit the back of the net once.

The sheer lack of goals in the Bournemouth side, as well as dearth in creativity, has majorly contributed to their difficult situation this season.

The want-away Ryan Fraser, one of the league’s top creators last term, has tailed off spectacularly this term. There’s been a frustration with the wideman for failing to match 18/19’s performances, with many speculating the 26-year-old downed tools as his heart was set on a move away from the side.

Howe has since confirmed that the side’s primary creator has played his last match for the strugglers owing to his refusal to commit to the club beyond June 30.

In attack, Bournemouth’s return of 29 goals is among the lowest in the division. They’re averaging exactly a goal a game and have the fifth-worst return in the competition. This hasn’t been helped by the lack of scoring options across the side: Callum Wilson, Harry Wilson, and Joshua King are the leading scorers with eight, seven and four respectively...Nathan Ake, a centre-back, is next with two goals.

The disappointing Fraser had netted just once before the lockdown while the supporting cast of Dominic Solanke, Junior Stanislas, and Jordon Ibe have contributed nothing for goals, and Solanke’s sole assist remains the only goal contribution from the trident.

While Billing and Lerma could’ve done a bit more in the final third, the struggles of the aforementioned attackers lay bare the south coast club’s battles to get going up front all season.

Notwithstanding, they’d be buoyed by the return of long-term absentee David Brooks who hasn’t featured all season. The young Wales international contributed 12 goals (seven goals and five assists) in his debut Prem campaign, and supporters of the club will hope he gets up to speed in time for the last nine gameweeks, beginning with Crystal Palace on Saturday night.

The Eagles had won three on the spin before the league’s interruption and would have been resounding favourites against a Cherries side with just one win in five had the game gone ahead in March.

It’s why the break was timely for Howe’s side, whose form before football was halted left a lot to be desired.

Interestingly, though, every club in the bottom seven was in wretched form before the break, none had won more than once in their previous five matches, while Brighton & Hove Albion are without a win in 2020.

Creating chances and scoring were Bournemouth’s major challenges in the first 29 games of the campaign, and ostracising Fraser, the team’s primary creative outlet could make their finish extra arduous. They’ll also need goals from the likes of Billing if they are to survive their toughest Premier League campaign to date.

However, unless the towering Danish-Nigerian midfielder suddenly morphs into a prolific goalscoring operator, history suggests there’s little he can do in the Cherries’ run-in as they fight to retain their place in the big time.

Ryan Giggs wants to see Manchester United sign Jack Grealish, but he believes his old side are still “three or four players” away from challenging neighbours Manchester City.

Even during City’s own disappointing campaign, they started the weekend 15 points clear of United in the Premier League table.

The size of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rebuilding job is clear and he is expected to be busy in the upcoming summer/autumn transfer window.

Grealish has been heavily linked along with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.

"I mean, if a quality player like that comes available, United are going to be [interested],” Giggs told Premier League Productions of Grealish.

"He looks like a United player, he takes the ball, he attracts loads of fouls.”

However, what United really need, according to Giggs, is a new striker.

Anthony Martial has 16 goals to his name in all competitions but has little real competition for a starting place.

Marcus Rashford has been enjoying playing on the left, and Mason Greenwood is still only 18.

Fans have taken to Odion Ighalo but the Nigeria international is 31 and hasn’t yet scored a goal against a Premier League side for United.

"I would say that we definitely need a centre-forward,” Giggs said.

"Someone who, if a team is deep, is going to play deep and be on the end of those passes, crosses and score 25 goals.

"I still think if we're going to catch City, we're three or four players short.

"But [it's] definitely exciting and promising with Bruno [Fernandes] and [Paul] Pogba coming into the team."

There were signs of promise in the Fernandes-Pogba partnership against Tottenham on Friday night.

After Pogba was brought on for the last half an hour, he won a penalty from Spurs’ Eric Dier which was confidently dispatched by Fernandes.

Fernandes put in another assured performance while Pogba showed signs of being back near his best form, with one perfectly weighted cross-field pass to Marcus Rashford drawing admiring comments on social media.

United’s next game is a home fixture with fellow Europa League challengers Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Kenyan goalkeeper Lucas Indeche has revealed he would love to turn out for Gor Mahia in future.

The custodian is one of the experienced players in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) having turned out for bitter rivals AFC Leopards, Thika United and Sony Sugar.

"No Kenyan player would not wish to play for Gor Mahia, and I am not an exception," Indeche, who plays for South Sudan top-tier side Atlabara told Goal.

"We all know K'Ogalo is a big team and have a massive following. Their track record is enviable and in future, if I get a chance to play for them, I will not hesitate. It will be one of my best moves.

"KCB and Sofapaka are also good teams in the Kenyan top-flight football. Their organization and ambitions are consistent."

Any goalkeeper would like to play for the National Team and the 29-year-old Indeche is not an exception.

"No sane player will turn down a chance to play for Harambee Stars, it is what everyone wishes for," Indeche continued.

"I have the ability to play for Kenya, but again, it all depends on the head coach. Every tactician has his players who he feels will fit in a certain system and I respect that.

"However, with consistency, I will break into the team, but if I don't, it will be a motivation for me to push harder."

Indeche made a silent move to South Sudan in January this year. The custodian signed a two-year contract at the Juba-based side.

"My move to South Sudan was exciting and scary at the same time because it was the first time I was going to play outside Kenya," Indeche told Goal.

"Initially I did not know what to expect considering I was not with my family and friends. However, I was welcomed well and settled fast. It is a move I wanted; far from distractions to bring my career back on track."

Atlabara have won the league three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2019. Last season, they represented the country in the Caf Champions League, but they were eliminated in the preliminary round by Egyptian giants Al-Ahly.

After falling 4-0 at home, the East African side fell 9-0 away to bow out 13-0 on aggregate. 

New West Ham signing Daniel Jinadu has identified Lukasz Fabianski as a source of inspiration as he looks to improve his game.

The goalkeeping prodigy will continue with his progress in Stratford having been handed his first professional contract.

The Nigeria youth international began his career with Chelsea before joining the Hammers in December 2017 – taking up a two-year scholarship in the summer of 2018.

In the 2019-20 season, he made five appearances with the U18s and now has a chance to work his way through the first team.

Fabianski, 35, is one player in West Ham the teenager hasn’t struggled to gel with as he notes the former Swansea City and Arsenal player has contributed a great deal towards helping him improve his game.

“I have trained a couple of times with Lukasz Fabianski, he is a very good goalkeeper. Whenever I train with him, he is so encouraging and very supportive,” Jinadu told Goal.

“He is always encouraging me and would give me tips. What I’ve really learnt from him is how quick and sharp he is around the goal and his attention to detail.

“He moves around the ball so well, his footwork, his body weight forward and everything.

“So, just watching and training on how professional he does everything. I wouldn’t have learnt that. He’s really good.”

Unlike so many players of his age who have household names as their role models, the case is different from Jinadu who clocks 18 on Monday.

He has no specific idol, instead, he lists several great goalkeepers across the globe that he is learning from to aid his growth in the beautiful sport.

“I don’t actually have one role model, I just learn from a lot of goalkeepers,” he continued.

“To name a few, I like [Manuel] Neuer, [David] De Gea, Allison [Becker] and Ederson. These keepers have really changed the game

“Ederson’s distribution is outstanding, Dea Gea’s saves - so, I like to just watch all of them with their distributions, make great saves and their confidence. It really encourages me.”

Jinadu had a decent performance for Nigeria at the 2019 U17 World Cup staged in Brazil, and he is expected to form the fulcrum of the next set of the country’s U20 national team.