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Schalke 04 sporting director Jochen Schneider is hopeful Benjamin Stambouli will renew his contract with the club as his current deal runs out at the end of June.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder has been on the books of the Royal Blues since 2016 after joining from Paris Saint-Germain and has 106 appearances, scoring no goals and providing four assists.

He has been limited to just nine Bundesliga outings this season because of a foot injury which has kept him out since October 2019.

His last appearance was in a goalless draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Revierderby, completing the entire 90 minutes at home.

"We will see. The parties are still discussing," Schneider told Sky Sports Deutschland.

"What are the chances of renewal? I would say they are big, I hope. We will see.

"The economic situation is difficult for us. We play in empty stadiums, there is no money at the end of the day. We must also be careful. We cannot live too long beyond our means.

"I feel an extreme responsibility for the club and its future in the medium and short term. In general, we don't spend more money than we earn."

Stambouli's career began at Montpellier in 2010 where he played 130 times, scoring four goals and contributing five assists. He was part of the side that shockingly won the Ligue 1 title ahead of oil-rich PSG in 2012.

He joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2014-2015 season and scored only once. He played every round of the League Cup until the final where the Lillywhites were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea.

After just a season and 25 total appearances for Spurs, Stambouli proceeded to PSG for the 2015-16 campaign and was more productive than at Spurs, making a total of 40 appearances, 27 which came in Ligue 1.

The Parisians won every domestic trophy that season - Ligue 1, French Cup, French League Cup, French Super Cup.

Stambouli was born in the French city of Marseille to an Algerian father and is eligible to play for either Les Bleus or Les Fennecs.

He represented the French Under-21s 14 times between 2010 and 2012.

A concerned Kenyan citizen has written to Fifa with regards to the stalled Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections and warned of the "greater football harm" posed by Nick Mwendwa.

Paul Nyang’owo Otieno, who identifies himself as a stakeholder, said Mwendwa's actions alongside the National Executive Committee members' conduct regarding disputes and elections have concerned him greatly.

“I am a concerned football stakeholder, with a deep understanding of Kenya’s football history; in particular, matters relating to 'football disputes' and 'elections',” Otieno's letter read as obtained by Goal.

“Immediately after assuming office in 2016 FKF filed a petition at Sports Dispute Tribunal in Kenya, with an aim of expanding Kenya Premier League from 16 teams to 18 teams, a case which was ruled in their favour by SDT, and KPL had no choice except to allow league expansion to 18 teams, at the expense of losing a major sponsor [SuperSport] after the breach of contract [which mentioned only 16 teams, top tier league, as the contract deal].

“During this time FKF recognized SDT and had full confidence in the Constitutional Tribunal instituted by the Kenya Judiciary after the progressive Kenya Sports Act No. 25 of 2013, in line with the Kenyans sporting aspirations as outlined in the Kenya 2010 Constitution.

“I am not a lawyer by practice, but 'Sports and The Law' is a subject of interest to me, given my years of practice in the field of Sports Management.”

Otieno went on to detail how Mwendwa and his fellow officials at the helm of the FKF have had a negative impact on the development of the game and why they have grown to dislike the John Ohaga-led SDT.

“Mwendwa and former FKF NEC officials are doing greater harm to Kenya’s football, [recourse to ordinary courts] in Kenya through parties they’ve sponsored,” added the letter.

“It is already common sense, that 90% of Kenya’s football stakeholders don’t want him in office, and are yearning for a new change in football leadership, a fact that has led Mr Mwendwa, former NEC and officials to frustrations and serious violations of FKF Constitution and Fifa Statutes, and have resorted to resolve football disputes in ordinary courts.

“Recent rulings by SDT haven’t favoured Mwendwa and his team, and according to them, SDT should be disbanded all together or SDT Chairman and Committee members be replaced, the same SDT he had confidence in when all rulings went to his favour.

“These aren’t good times for Kenya’s football, and as Fifa directed recently in March 2020 through Mr Véron Mosengo-Omba response letter, Kenya’s football disputes should be resolved peacefully by all stakeholders involved.”

The FKF is fighting a number of court cases involving elections and the sackings of Adel Amrouche and Bobby Williamson.

Arsenal technical director Edu has confirmed head coach Mikel Arteta will have a big say in the club's transfer business, with the Gunners eager to create a harmonious culture that will see them return to challenging for major honours.

In the past, several managers have complained publicly about clubs not listening to their recruitment suggestions or philosophies for moving on to bigger and better things, with key players often sold for short-term profits rather than longer-lasting success.

Edu claims that no such scenario will appear at the Emirates, however, stating that Arteta's involvement in future planning is imperative to any potential success in seasons to come.

“Mikel has to be involved in recruitment, he must,” Edu told The Athletic. “We talk about what we need, the characteristics of the players, the system we’re going to play and then I start the process internally. That’s my role. 

“If he has names, if he advises or wants advice on players, that’s fine. If he wants to talk to the other guys [like scouts] of course he will talk to them, but normally that’s my process. That’s why the relationship between us needs to be very strong. 

“I have to understand his points and he has to understand the club’s points. Then we build everything together — that’s the main point.”

Edu went on to state that he knew Arteta was the man to take the club forward before they had even started talking about football, with the Spaniard's qualities as an thoughtful and insightful person making him a “special guy”.

“My first conversation with him was not about football and that’s what I really loved,” Edu added. “It was about concepts, respect, people and staff but not football. My beliefs and his beliefs are the same. 

“We were talking about life, about family, how important it is for the players to understand the importance of being together and respecting the club. After that conversation I was really surprised — we connected straight away with our ideas, philosophy and lifestyle. 

“So before we went through the technical part, I felt he was a special guy.

“After that, we went to football. I explained to him the team we had, the system we played, the system we believe we can play in the future, how we see the team. I did a presentation to him about our squad and then listened to his thinking. He was really excited. 

“And then there was a presentation by him to show me a little bit about his philosophy. Then we, together, started to create a plan. We interviewed a lot of people and that was a very beautiful experience for me, less than six months into the job myself. 

“You have to get to know the person, not just the coach. You see his family, his children, his character as a father and husband. That what I call the base. He has a very, very, very beautiful base.”

Bruno Fernandes is looking forward to playing alongside Paul Pogba as Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham in their first game of the Premier League restart.

The duo have yet to feature in a competitive match together as the Portugal star arrived at the club while Pogba was still recovering from ankle surgery.

There is growing excitement from supporters about seeing the pair in the same side ahead of Friday's meeting with Spurs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having played them together in a number of training games.

That included a friendly against West Brom at Old Trafford and Fernandes has admitted that it will be "amazing" to feature in the same team as the World Cup winner.

"I think everyone is excited to see Paul Pogba play again. He’s had a long time out injured and to play alongside him will be amazing," Fernandes told talkSPORT.  

"We have a lot of good players and the most important thing is the result for Manchester United. Everyone wants to play with the best players and Pogba is one of them."

Some have questioned whether the pair will be able to play alongside each other but Solskjaer has no issue in putting them both in the same team.

"Good players can always play together, so definitely, they can - it's a big yes," Solskjaer told Sky Sports   last month.

"I think it's exciting... we do have an exciting squad. I've got Scott [McTominay], Fred, Nemanja [Matic].There's many games coming up and I'm sure we can find a good connection between them. We've been discussing that as a coaching team of course, and we're looking forward to it.

On the adulation Fernandes has received from the United fans and being one of the leaders at Old Trafford, the Portuguese added: "They support me a lot and for me that’s really important.

"I’m very thankful for the support the fans gave me from the beginning, it has been perfect for me.

"From the beginning I feel I’ve been at home, like I never left Sporting. It was really important for me to start well with some good performances and we’ve had some amazing results.

"I think everyone has to be a leader in their own way. Everyone here is a leader, in everything you have different leaderships and I think I’m just another one. I try to help everyone and they try to help me.

"I do always want the ball, that is true, and I will always be like that."

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene in 2016 and he is now considered one of England's best young players, with an abundance of potential.

His stock sky-rocketed following his sudden arrival into the team at Old Trafford and his performances have earned him a number of new deals with the club.

Rashford can already say he has won the League Cup, the FA Cup and the Europa League, as well as the Community Shield, not to mention the fact that he has played in a World Cup semi-final.

So how much has his brief career been worth so far? Goal takes a look at how lucrative Rashford's football journey has been.

Contents

What is Marcus Rashford's net worth?

British finance magazine Spear's estimates Rashford's net worth to be around £65 million ($80m), which is quite impressive, even if it seems a tad unrealistic considering his youth.

A clearer picture will undoubtedly emerge in the coming years as he earns more money through new, more lucrative, contracts, but right now he appears to be doing quite well.

Given that Rashford is only at the beginning of his career he has not had the time required to amass the sort of wealth that is enjoyed by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Aside from his salary at Man United, details of his wealth are not exactly clear, but his various endorsements, particularly with sportswear giants Nike, are sure to be worth plenty of money.

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How much does Marcus Rashford earn?

Rashford signed a new contract with Manchester United in 2019 that is reportedly worth £200,000 ($250k) a week.

The deal runs until 2023 and is a mammoth increase on his previous package, which saw him earning £20,000 a week.

With a salary of £200,000 a week, Rashford would be earning over £10m per year for his efforts before bonuses and other play-related incentives are taken into account.

You can see an approximate breakdown of how much Rashford earns below.

*Approximates

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What sponsorship deals does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford is a Nike athlete and, since his breakthrough at Old Trafford, he has featured in a number of the sportswear brand's promotional campaigns.

Along with Tottenham's Harry Kane and Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, he is one of England's top Nike footballers and his stature with the brand is perhaps illustrated by the fact that he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Gonzalo Higuain and Edinson Cavani in advertisements.

As well as Nike, Rashford is a 'McDonald's Football Ambassador' and in December 2017 he took part in a promotion that saw him return to his former club, Fletcher Moss Rangers to distribute brand new kits.

He has also worked closely with EA Sports in the promotion of their FIFA video game series.

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What businesses does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford is only at the beginning of his career in football, so he can be forgiven if long-term business interests are not to the front of his thoughts right now. 

However, like many footballers, he does appear to have set up a property business, suggesting that he will invest some of his earnings into that industry.

Of course, there is still plenty of time for him to follow in the footsteps of other footballers by venturing further into the realm of business.

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What charity work does Marcus Rashford do?

Rashford has used his status as one of England and Manchester United's biggest stars to highlight many social issues in an effort to effect positive change in society.

In 2020, the striker penned an open letter to the British parliament urging politicians to continue a free meal scheme for vulnerable children through the summer in light of the coronavirus pandemic. While it was initially rebuffed, pressure mounted on the UK government to such a degree that Prime Minister Boris Johnson performed a u-turn.

Rashford was extremely active in promoting various charities during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, including foodbank services Fare Share and Co-op, as well as being part of the Players Together initiative, which donated money to the NHS.

He has long taken an interest in helping people who are homeless, working with Selfridges on their 'In the Box' Christmas campaign and has been to the fore in using his voice against racism. 

How many social media followers does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford's social media presence is formidable for a player of his age, but it is probably not surprising considering that he is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. 

The England international has over 8.5 million followers on Instagram, a platform that he updates regularly, giving an insight into his lifestyle; which appears to include plenty of social time with team-mate Jesse Lingard.

Instagram is by far his most popular platform, with his official Twitter and Facebook pages not yet breaking the one-million mark in terms of followers.

Rashford has around 3 million followers on Twitter and his Facebook page is liked by over a million people.

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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are still hopeful of concluding the FKF Shield Cup if the government lifts the ban on sporting activities when it expires on July 7.

While FKF moved to end the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season and declare Gor Mahia champions and promote Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United, the Federation’s CEO now says they can still conclude the Shield competition which was in the quarter-final stage if the curfew is lifted.

However, whether it will be played or not, will depend on the government’s next move on the 30-day curfew imposed in the country to contain the coronavirus pandemic, which will elapse on July 7.

“If we manage to get 10 days, we can effectively play the competition to the end and get a deserved winner,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“If the government lifts the ban and allows sporting activities to resume, then we will only need 10 days to complete the competition, we only need to play on Tuesday, Thursday and play the final on Saturday and we will have a winner.”

On Tuesday, Confederation of African Football (Caf) released teams that have been cleared to play in the Confederation Cup, but Kenya was missing out because they could not give out a name as the tournament was yet to conclude.

Otieno now says they have written to Caf pleading to be given more time to see whether they can have the 10 days to conclude the competition.

“We have written to Caf seeking for more time, we are just buying time hoping the government will lift the ban when the current curfew comes to an end, and then we conclude the tournament, and after, to forward in the name of the winners to Caf,” Otieno continued.

“Caf has not responded to our request yet and so we are just waiting, we are keeping our fingers crossed and hope they can grant us more time so that we can have a deserved winner in the competition.”

Bandari represented Kenya in the last competition and were eliminated in the play-off stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Guinean outfit Horoya AC.

By virtue of ending the league, Gor Mahia will now carry Kenya’s flag in the Caf Champions League for the fourth season in a row.

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Geoffrey Kizito has revealed he is happy to play in the Vietnam League 1.

Playing for Than Quang Ninh currently, 'Rasta' as Kizito is known has had stints with Xuan Thanh Sai Gon and Sai Gon. The defensive midfielder further pointed out what is important to survive in the South East Asian league.

“Vietnam has been good, I can’t complain because the league is as competitive and professional, much as many think, otherwise, here performance is key,” Kizito told Football256.

Kizito was part of the Cranes' team that took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and says he achieved one of his career dreams by participating in the tournament.

“It was a good experience and a dream come true because I always wanted to play for my country at such a big stage. I played alongside experienced players and learnt a lot, I can only give thanks to God,” added the midfielder.

Kizito further answered whether he might leave during the upcoming transfer window as he also challenges upcoming players to push themselves hard and learn.

“If the opportunity comes and the deal is straight, I would certainly consider going,” he concluded.

“The young players have to work harder towards their dream every day because talent alone is not enough and opportunity meets hard work. To me, it’s about knowing your weakness, listening and being ready to learn.”

Meanwhile, Express FC defender Cyrus Kibande has said his debut season in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was fair.

“I want to be honest with you that playing in 11 league games for such a big club like Express, was a fair start to my career at the club,” Kibande told Football256.

“Not that I was happy with missing out on the other games through injury, no, but note that this was my first season in the league, at a big club like Express, therefore to me 11 games were something huge.

“I am just imagining how it would’ve been had it not been for the injuries, so I am hoping for an injury-free season.”

Kibande also spoke about his expectations of working under Wasswa Bbosa who was appointed to succeed George Ssimwogerere in May.

“I know it’s going to be a competitive season for us as players in terms of proving to the manager that you deserve to start, but I am ready for the competition," 

“I am praying that I overcome my injury problems of last season so that I can play game in game out as I try to realize my dream of playing for the national team.

“It may not be the senior Cranes team for now but as long as it’s a national team set up, I really don’t mind the level.” 

Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack has belatedly won the February Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month award.

The award had been planned to be given out in March but the organisers delayed it citing the coronavirus restriction activated by the government.

The winner is chosen by the organisers and the Sports Journalists Association (SJAK). Polack had also won it in October and November 2019.

Gor Mahia picked up 10 points in February as they recorded three wins and a draw despite going down 3-1 to Sofapaka.

K'Ogalo defeated Nzoia Sugar 3-0 before their surprise loss to Sofapaka in Narok and failed to pick maximum points when they drew 1-1 against Western Stima in Kisumu in the subsequent match.

The last match in February was against Zoo FC when they fought back to ensure they picked up a 3-2 win at Kericho Green Stadium.

Anthony Kimani of AFC Leopards lost the award to Polack as a loss to Tusker denied him a maiden Coach of the Month award. Twahir Muhiddin, who was in charge of Bandari then, came third.

“To get an individual award makes you feel good but we know football is not an individual sport so I congratulate the players and the staff too for the hard work they put in,” Polack told reporters as he received the award.

“Without them, I would not be standing here today with the trophy.”

“The fans have also been amazing because Gor Mahia enjoy the biggest support and it is they who have been pushing the team to do well. It is not all about the money but about the hard work we have put in all along as a group.”

Polack called for a truce between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) who continue to jostle over the fate of the competition.

“Hopefully, we hope Covid-19 will go away soon so that we can get back to do what we are used to,” added the former Asante Kotoko coach.

“Let FKF and KPL sort the issue out together and if they say we have to play again then we will have to play. I have confidence in my players and my staff.

“But they have to look at the bigger picture before they make such a big decision because next season they say will start in August.”

Kakamega Homeboyz have pleaded with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to forward their name to Caf as Kenya’s representatives in the Confederation Cup.

On Tuesday, Confederation of African Football (Caf) released teams that have been cleared to play in the competition, but Kenya was missing because they could not give out a name as the FKF Shield Cup, whose winner goes for the competition, is yet to be played to the end.

This is because the domestic cup was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic alongside the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), though FKF moved to declare table-toppers Gor Mahia as champions and promoted Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United.

As it stands, Gor Mahia will participate in the Caf Champions League for the fourth season in a row, leaving Kenya without a team in the Confederation Cup.

It is the reason Homeboyz have now asked FKF to forward their name to Caf because they are currently second behind Gor Mahia in the league table and have the financial muscle to afford trips into Africa.

“If you look at the position we are currently sitting in the table, we are second and now if FKF still insists they don’t have a team to send to the Confederation Cup, Homeboyz is ready to take up the slot, instead, of the country missing out,” Homeboyz CEO Benard Shitiabayi told Goal on Wednesday.

“Homeboyz is even ready, more than any other team in the league comparing our financial status and our financial muscles which we have financial support from the County government of Kakamega and we have our own business mogul Cleophas Shimanyula, definitely the only team that can well fit in the competition is Homeboyz.

“We request FKF, they still have enough time to send a team and if they can listen to me as Homeboyz CEO, they should just borrow my idea and give the chance to Homeboyz, who are more than ready, instead, of Kenya missing out completely and throwing away the opportunity.”

Bandari represented Kenya in the last competition and were eliminated in the play-off stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Guinean outfit Horoya AC.

Deon Hotto's representative Machini Motloung is hoping to finalise the future of the Bidvest Wits winger in the near future. 

The Namibia international has strongly been linked with a possible move to Orlando Pirates while Mamelodi Sundowns are also reported to be interested in the player. 

As things stand, none of the Wits players who have offers in front of them has finalised anything with their potential employers.  

"Obviously, it will be better if everything is concluded quickly so that he can move on," Motloung told Daily Sun.   

"As you know, the current season was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic." 

Motloung admits the situation with Hotto and his colleagues are facing is different from what he's usually used to while hinting that the ongoing negotiations can destabilise the team. 

"Under normal circumstances, you would have been approached just after the season had ended to ensure that you don't destabilise the team," added Motloung.  

There are six to eight rounds of matches to play before the end of the season which has been suspended since mid-March but it is expected that the campaign will be extended but players couldn't wait for that to secure their futures, including Hotto himself. 

Wits still have an outside chance of winning the league as they are 10 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand. 

Hotto is one of eight players who will be leaving the Students following the management's decision to sell the club's PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila owner Masala Mulaudzi last week.

Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabang Monare, Gift Motupa, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Haashim Domingo, Sfiso Hlanti and Ricardo Goss are other players expected to leave Wits. 

This comes after TTM made it clear their high salary packages will make it impossible for the club to keep them. 

Hotto has been outstanding for the Clever Boys since his arrival from Bloemfontein Celtic two years ago. 

He has scored 14 goals and registered 21 assists in 66 appearances across all competitions since his arrival. 

This season only, the 29-year-old winger has bagged eight goals and five assists in 31 competitive matches for the Students. 

Eight individuals from six Championship clubs have tested positive for the coronavirus, the EFL has confirmed, just three days before the season gets back underway.

Promotion-chasing Brentford have confirmed one of the positive tests as their own, though the identity of the individual was not disclosed.

A total of 2213 players and club staff were tested among the Championship’s 24 clubs.

The English second tier is due to restart on Saturday, June 20, with each club having nine fixtures still to play.

A statement from the EFL read: “Those players or Club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate in line with the guidelines provided by the EFL and only those who have tested negative will be permitted to enter training ground facilities.”

After the previous round of testing a week ago, six individuals from four clubs had tested positive.

It was also announced that from 254 tests carried out at four League One clubs over the last week, four individuals from two clubs have tested positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile in League Two, there were zero positive results after 174 players and club staff from four clubs were tested.

As the season resumes, the EFL will continue to provide weekly testing updates on Wednesdays.

As things stand, Leeds and West Brom are well placed to end their exile from the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are top by a single point, but there is a six-point gap between the top two and the play-off positions.

Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston currently make up the rest of the top six, but there are seven more teams within six points of the play-offs as the season nears its end.

At the other end of the table, Barnsley find themselves bottom and needing a miracle, seven points adrift of safety.

Luton and Charlton are above them in the relegation zone with Hull, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Stoke all still at risk from the drop.

The pick of the opening round of fixtures sees third-placed Fulham host play-off rivals Brentford, with the game billed for a lunchtime kick-off to get the season back up and running.

Cristiano Ronaldo told Nani that he “will probably end up in America” at some point of his career, the Orlando City winger has claimed.

The pair have been team-mates at club and international level, having shared the flanks at Manchester United and for Portugal.

Ronaldo has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and David Villa in winding down his career in MLS and, now 35, that day may well be approaching.

"A couple of years ago, he told me that he will probably end up in America," Nani told ESPN.

"It's not 100 per cent, but probably. There is a chance."

The side most frequently linked with a move in recent months has been Inter Miami, David Beckham’s project club ready to make their debut in the new MLS season.

Nani was looking forward to his second season in the division, after completing his first year in Orlando.

With 12 goals and five assists in 30 appearances, the former Sporting C.P. man seems to be enjoying his time stateside – though his side finished second-bottom in the Eastern Conference.

"It is a great league," he added.

"Obviously there are points where we must improve as a league, even in the quality of the players.

"Here you have fantastic clubs, well organised with fantastic conditions, great coaches, great players. You see every season improving.

"I think we all have the conditions in this league. We are in a great country. Everything is around us. It is all about being better, not being afraid to improve."

Ronaldo’s current Juventus contract is believed to run until the summer of 2022, and it seems unlikely the club would be willing to contemplate losing him before then.

By the end of the 2021-22 season, though, Ronaldo will be 37 years old – and possibly considering a new challenge.

In the past, though, he has suggested he wants to finish at the top. In 2015, he said: "In my mind I want to finish in the top level, I want to finish with dignity so in a good club.

"It doesn't mean that to go USA or Qatar or Dubai is not good but I don't see myself [going there]."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has revealed he will continue to use “unwanted” striker Gnamien Yikpe until the end of the season.

The Ivorian striker, who signed for the Jangwani Street-based giants from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, has come under heavy criticism especially from Yanga fans who feel he does not deserve to play for the team owing to his poor displays on the pitch.

The fans have on many occasions taken to social media calling for the team to do away with the striker with others faulting the officials who were involved in signing the player from K’Ogalo.

However, the Belgian tactician has distanced himself from the signing of the player saying he found him already playing for Yanga and went further to state he will continue to use him because “I don’t have enough strikers in the team.”

“I don’t want to comment about [Yikpe], it is not me who signed this player but currently we don’t have a lot of choices in the striking area and I have to use him until the end of the season,” Eymael told Goal on Wednesday.

“It seems he was a good player while he was playing for Gor Mahia but I don’t know what happened to him, he was already there when I came, because I found him already playing for Yanga.”

Four days ago, Yikpe revealed he was not affected by the pressure of fans to deliver despite having scored one goal since he signed for Yanga.

“People talk a lot [about me] but I usually don't listen to them,” Yikpe was quoted as saying by Mwanaspoti.

“They will always talk whether you are performing well or not. However, I am a Yanga player and I am contracted to the team. If it is about my performance, the management should be the one talking about it but as it stands, I have heard nothing from them.

“I have to train harder, but regarding playing time, I leave it for the coach to decide.”

Yanga are currently preparing to face JKT Tanzania in their second match after the return of the Mainland Premier League and Yikpe could still feature in the fixture.

Bernardo Silva says the debate on who is better between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is “not debatable” – because people should just enjoy them both.

The Manchester City man is a team-mate of Ronaldo’s for Portugal, with the pair having won last year’s inaugural Nations League tournament together.

Silva says the experience of training and playing alongside the Juventus forward has been a special one, hailing his exemplary work ethic off the pitch.

“It will be something special and unique to tell my kids and grandkids I was able to give him some assists,” Silva told BBC Sport.

“He's an example on and off the pitch. With Portugal, we train in the morning. In the afternoon everyone plays cards or PlayStation, but he goes to the gym.

“In the big moments, when you need him the most, he's always there.”

And, while the Messi v Ronaldo debate has now raged for over a decade, Silva wants no part in it.

“It's a debate that's not debatable,” he added.

“I think we need to feel privileged to be able to watch them at the same time together.

“They are two of the best players ever - if not the two best players ever.”

Silva is currently preparing for the return of the Premier League, with City returning to action on Wednesday night with a fixture against Arsenal.

Coming to the end of his third year in Manchester, the 25-year-old is settled and happy in his surroundings.

Plucked from Monaco at the end of the 2016-17 season, Silva says the feeling of signing for City was “amazing”.

“It was an amazing feeling. When we played Manchester City [with Monaco in the Champions League], the atmosphere was amazing.

“After the game I was talking to my team-mates and we were saying: ‘Wow, the atmosphere in England is really good. One day I'd like to play there.’

“At the end of the season when they contacted me and said they wanted to buy me; it was a pleasure to join the club.

“So far, I've been very happy at the club - so it was a great choice.

“I've been lucky to play for a team like Manchester City. It's a pleasure to be here with such amazing players and staff and be able to win so many trophies.”

Kenya international Duke Abuya has revealed his happiness at being turned into a midfielder from a defender at Nkana FC.

Abuya, who signed for the Zambian club on a two-year deal in January 2020 from Kariobangi Sharks, has become a regular starter for the side but playing in an unfamiliar role, where he has effectively partnered with another Kenyan player Duncan Otieno.

Abuya has openly confessed he is now enjoying the new role which has seen him score one goal for his side in the Zambian league.

“I’m really enjoying my new role in the team,” Abuya is quoted by Standard Sports. “The transition from the number ten attacking role to a provider has not been difficult for me. That’s an added advantage to me because I can do both of them.

“I was more than relieved to open my goal account at Nkana because I had endured a long goal drought in the Kenyan Premier League.”

Abuya, who featured for the national team Harambee Stars during the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier away to Tanzania, has also admitted that his main aim is to cement his place in the team.

“The national team is not like a club; this is a place that you must take your chances whenever given because the competition is too high,” Abuya continued.

“But if you don’t grab it with both hands, you will live to regret. Migne [Sebastien] told me he was impressed with my debut performance against Tanzania and immediately when he left, Kimanzi [Francis] called me up in the team. That means I’m heading in the right direction.”

On his move to play outside Kenya, Abuya said: “I always dreamt of playing outside Kenya, but I never knew it would be at a big club like Nkana.

“The move happened so fast and the positive thing is that I adapted to everything there very quickly. I just feel like I’m living my dream every day but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be complacent here.”

Abuya also praised Kenyan players in Nkana – Musa Mohammed, Harun Shakava, and Otieno – for helping him to settle down quickly in Zambia.

“Honestly, was it not for Musa, Duncan, and Shakava it would have been difficult for me to adapt at Nkana,” Abuya explained.

“They gave me a warm welcome and oriented me to the club. They taught me the ropes of what it takes to be a professional player. But I’m more grateful to Duncan for making things easier for me. I have really had fun in the seven matches we have played together in midfield.”

AFC Leopards goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan has revealed he is learning Karate as believes the season was better compared to the previous one.

Ochan joined AFC Leopards at the beginning of the abandoned season and went on to record 13 clean sheets.

The custodian, now in Uganda, said he has had to learn Karate as well as engaging in training regimes which keeps him fit.

“Life without football is tough because we are used to going to training then playing during the weekend but now you wake up and do housework and keep fit,” Ochan said during an interactive session with fans on AFC Leopards Facebook page.

“But anyway, this pandemic is real, life is tough and it feels like being in a prison. You know there is a total lockdown in Uganda and you have nowhere to go.

“I am learning karate by the way. Every morning I get on my bike and ride to the gym where we are working initially, it was just within my neighbourhood but now it is quite far about 20 kilometres.

“I do my karate and exercises that make me fit from Monday to Friday. I cannot say I am very fit but I can say I am 70% fit.”

The Uganda star assessed Ingwe's season which was his debut campaign in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), revealed aborted targets and where he thinks the team might be next season.

“We had positives and negatives,” said the goalkeeper.

“The negative side of it is that we hoped to win the league but it has not been possible due to a number of factors but we had also aimed at finishing above position, however, but it was also not possible too due to Covid-19.

“The positive side of the season is that I think we have gelled well as a team, there is something to build on with a lot of youngsters coming through and the teamwork.

“There is love in the team and the support from the fans is amazing. We also worked tirelessly in the season as I believe we have something to build on.

“AFC Leopards finished 11th last season and we were number six this season with nine games left to go. I believe from the nine games, a top-three spot was very much possible.

“Climbing up the table is a promising thing and maybe next season we will be number one because AFC Leopards are a big team.”

Ochan's confidence of a better 2020/21 season echoes similar statements made by his head coach Anthony Kimani and the club's chairman Dan Shikanda.

Hector Bellerin has pledged to plant 3,000 trees for every win Arsenal amass between now and the end of the season.

The Gunners return to action in the Premier League on Wednesday night after a 102-day hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic when they take on Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

That will be the first of 10 remaining league games for Mikel Arteta’s side, with victories vital as they attempt to earn a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Any wins will now have added significance to Bellerin, who has partnered with global charity One Tree Planted and committed to plant 3,000 trees for every success the Gunners enjoy before the end of the campaign.

“As a child growing up in Barcelona, I spent a lot of my with my grandad in his garden planting trees and playing in forests so it’s an issue very close to my heart,” said Bellerin.

“When I saw the great work that One Tree Planted do, not just the planting of the trees but within the communities as well, I knew it was something that I wanted to get involved in. I hope that by doing this and using my platform, others will see how important it is to look after our world and donate to a cause which really affects us all.”

Bellerin is well known for his stance on environmental issues and has spoken at length about subjects such as single-use plastics and the effects of climate change on society.

His partnership with One Tree Planted aims to draw attention to the fact that, according to a recent study, 4,500 acres of forest are cleared every hour leading to catastrophic effects on wildlife, ecosystems and weather patterns.

Diana Chaplin, Canopy Director of One Tree Planted, said: "It's great to know that there are champions for the environment in the sports world. Hector's passion for nature goes beyond words to make a real impact on the ground and help us plant trees where they're needed most.

“This will have a lasting benefit for people, nature, and wildlife for many years to come." 

Fans are invited to join the campaign and help plant even more trees to make a positive impact for the great outdoors. More details can be found here.

Former goalkeeper and current Fortuna Dusseldorf board member Lutz Pfannenstiel says that Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic could return Manchester United to glory.

Bobic has been Eintracht Frankfurt's sporting director since 2016, with the club experiencing a surge under his leadership. After winning the DFB-Pokal in 2017-18, the club finished seventh in the Bundesliga last season to seal a Europa League berth.

Frankfurt sit seventh this season and still remain involved in the Europa League round of 16, although the competition was postponed following a first-leg loss to FC Basel.

During Bobic's tenure, the club has gone on to sign stars like Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller and Ante Rebic, with the former two making big-money moves away from the club while the latter is currently on loan with Milan.

Bobic has developed a reputation for finding and developing undiscovered talent, and it is that skill that Pfannenstiel says could help him retool a club with big money, like Man Utd.

"I'm very excited to see where Fredi's path leads him. I think there are three options," Pfannenstiel wrote in his column for DAZN . 

"First, he could stay in Frankfurt for a long time, but I personally do not believe that. After all, what more could he achieve after double qualifying for the Europa League and winning the DFB-Pokal? Bayern, Dortmund and Leipzig are currently difficult to reach for Frankfurt.

"Second, he could move to a top European club. Or third, he could do something completely different, something more exotic and work for a club where he can build something structurally.

"I personally would like to see how Fredi works with a bag full of money and which players he would sign. Even if working at a top club is completely different compared to developing and building up a club with limited resources, I am sure that Fredi would be up to the task.

"I am firmly convinced that he could lead a club like Manchester United back to the top. The question is rather whether he wants that. Conversely, top European clubs have long been on the downturn.

"At Man Utd, for example, restructuring with a strong sports director who works in the background of the trainer or manager, as they say on the island, would certainly work very well."

Prior to working with Frankfurt, Bobic served as the director of sport at Stuttgart before being sacked in 2014 after a near four-year stay.

During Bobic's spell with Stuttgart, the club decided to sell Joshua Kimmich, who ended up becoming a star with RB Leipzig and now Bayern Munich.

Additionally, Bobic pushed hard to sign a then-undiscovered Saul Niguez, who now is counted among the world's best midfielders at Atletico Madrid.

"Fredi wanted to keep Joshua Kimmich, for example, but the club was more interested in the quick money that could be made with him after his successful time at RB Leipzig," Pfannenstiel said.

"Another example of how unconventional and long-term Fredi thinks: Saul Niguez was with his father for talks at VfB in Stuttgart. Saul was a rough diamond at the time, 18 years old and just loaned to Rayo Vallecano.

"With VfB everything was already clear. For about €8 million (£7.2m/$9,), he could have been signed. Fredi was convinced of Saul, but did not get his commitment because the amount was too high for others. Today Saul is probably one of the best midfielders in the world and worth many times over."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) will miss the services of three key players when they take on JKT Tanzania in their second match of the Mainland Premier League on Wednesday.

The Jangwani Street-based giants resumed their action with a 1-0 win against Mwadui FC in a match played at Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga on Saturday.

Ahead of their match against JKT, coach Luc Eymael has confirmed to Goal three players – captain Papy Tshishimbi, Lamine Moro, and Bernard Morrison – will not be involved in the fixture owing to various reasons.

“We will miss the services of our captain [Papy] who is out injured but recovering well and [Morrison] is yet to join the camp and will definitely come back when we return to Dar es Salaam," Eymael told Goal on Wednesday.

“We will see if Molinga makes it to the last 18 while Moro has a bruise on his knee and will not play.”

Asked on his plans for the match, Eymael said: “It is a big match for us, we want to keep the winning run going and will be going for a win, I know JKT will also fight to get a win so it will be a good battle.

“We have also worked on some of the mistakes which cropped up during the match against Mwadui and the players are looking good, I want us to finish as high as possible in the league and so every match is like a final to us.”

Meanwhile, JKT coach Abdallah Mohamed said they have done their homework well and will be out to beat Yanga.

“We have studied how they play and are ready to face, I must say we don’t fear them. I know they are one of the biggest teams in the country, but that will not count for us, all we need is a win.”

Eymael is likely to start underfire striker Gnamien Yikpe in the fixture. The Ivorian striker has received heavy criticism from Yanga fans, who insist he does not deserve to play for the team.

The fans have on many occasions taken to social media calling for the team to do away with the striker with others faulting the officials who were involved in signing the player from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.