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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has terminated its sponsorship contract with the gaming firm, Odibets.
 
In a communique received by Goal on Wednesday, the federation said the betting firm breached the terms of the contract but did not specifically state which part of the contract their partners violated.

"The Football Kenya Federation has terminated its partnership with Odibets with immediate effect due to breach of contract by the betting firm," read the communication from the local FA.
 
"The federation remains committed to developing win-win partnerships for the good of the game and will continue to engage wholeheartedly with partners who share our commitment and vision for the growth of the game in Kenya."
 
The Ksh127 million partnership was signed in 2019, with the company committing to sponsoring the lower leagues in the counties. 
 
Recently, a five-year deal between FKF and BetKing was terminated as the Nigerian firm exited as sponsors of the Premier League and the Division One league after just a year in the Kenyan market.

The end of the FKF-Odibets partnership is set to affect the lower league teams negatively as they depended on the grants to run their clubs' day-to-day activities.

James Rodriguez has joined Qatari club Al Rayyan from Everton.

The midfielder fell out of contention for a place in the Toffees team this season after Rafael Benitez took over as coach.

James travelled to Qatar this week to hold talks with the team coached by ex-France coach Laurent Blanc and has reached an agreement with the club.

What has been said?

Al Rayyan teased the signing of the 30-year-old on Wednesday by sharing a video about an imminent new arrival on social media.

The club then confirmed the deal with a video welcoming the Colombian star to the club.

How did James perform at Everton?

The Colombia international moved to Goodison Park from Real Madrid in 2020.

The move to the Premier League saw him unite with Carlo Ancelotti for the third time, having already played under the Italian coach at Madrid and Bayern Munich.

James made a promising start to life at the Merseyside club, scoring three goals across his first four matches in the English top-flight.

But the former Monaco and Porto star struggled with calf problems over the course of the season and was limited to 26 appearances in all competitions in 2020-21.

He has not made a single appearance for Benitez's team this season and had been looking to organise a transfer ahead of the current campaign.

Coach Benitez admitted the club had been trying to offload him but would not rule out the midfielder making his way back into the team if no move materialised.

Further reading

Joe Gomez has hailed Liverpool youngster Kaide Gordon, and believes there is “no ceiling” on what the teenager could go on to become at Anfield.

Gordon, at 16 years and 351 days, became the fifth youngest debutant in Reds history on Tuesday night, starting the 3-0 win at Norwich in the Carabao Cup.

Signed from Derby in January, in a deal which could eventually cost the Reds more than £3million ($4.1m), the England U17 winger is already considered part of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team setup, having impressed during the pre-season training camps in Austria and France.

What did Gomez say about Gordon?

Speaking pitchside after the win at Norwich, Gomez smiled when asked about Gordon’s potential and the impact he had made on Liverpool’s senior players.

“The biggest thing about Kaide is that he seems to have such an old head on his shoulders,” he said. “And that level-headed mindset keeps him in his place. 

“His ability speaks for itself, but he’s such a nice guy. In pre-season, he took everything in his stride. 

“Every time he trains with us he applies himself properly. He does extra things that wouldn’t even have crossed my mind when I was his age. Hats off to him, and I’m sure he can go on to have a great career. 

“The platform he has, there’s no ceiling to it.”

‘Unbelievable Konate’

Gomez also paid tribute to new signing Ibrahima Konate, who partnered him at centre-back against Norwich having made his Premier League debut in the weekend win over Crystal Palace.

“Ibou is a top guy and an unbelievable player,” he said. “Look at his attributes, you can see how good he is. 

“When I was younger I had Virg [Van Dijk] to learn from, but Ibou is already experienced, he’s already a top player, he’s played in the Champions League. 

“It’s just enjoyable playing alongside him, we both relish being young centre-backs trying to prove ourselves. We strive to push each other every day.”

Asked about the competition for centre-back places, with Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Nat Phillips all available for selection, Gomez was positive. 

“It’s a healthy environment,” he insisted. “We’re all really close. Everyone knows how close I am with Virgil, but I am with Joel as well. Maybe people don’t see it because Joel is not on social media, but we are all very close. 

“It’s healthy. And we all need rotation as well. We’ve all had our injuries, and I think that [rotation] will help us. We embrace the challenge, it’s what you expect at a club like Liverpool.”

‘Injury didn’t demoralise me’

On a personal level, Tuesday was a proud night for Gomez, who captained Liverpool for the first time.

It has been a long road back for the 24-year-old, who spent eight months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury suffered in training with England last November.

“I feel really good,” he said. “I’m putting a lot of work in. Unfortunately I’ve done this a few times, so there are things you can learn along the way, knowing how to manage yourself.

“I’m just enjoying myself, and I’m grateful to be around such a good group of people, training as hard as I can every day and doing as much as I can outside of that to keep progressing and come back stronger.”

Goal had previously spoken to Gomez about the mental toughness needed to fight back from injury, and he had stated in that 2019 interview that he was “blessed” to be able to do the job he does.

So is that still the case?

“Even more so now, yes,” he said. “When this injury happened, I was already in that mindset. I didn’t need another reminder to knock me off my high horse, because I wasn’t on my high horse at all. 

“This one was painful, but I think it was an accumulation of the difficult circumstances where we were down to the bare bones. I think a few of us picked up injuries because of that. I just got hit with a bigger one. 

“But that’s part and parcel of the game, but the main thing is that I use it to try and come back as well as I can, work as hard as I can and put it behind me. 

“It definitely didn’t demoralise me. It made me hungrier and more grateful than ever before.”

Further reading 

Kariobangi Sharks striker Erick Kapaito has sealed a transfer move to Ethiopian side Abra Minch.

The 25-year-old, who managed 24 goals last season to finish as the top scorer in the FKF Premier League, has penned a two-year contract to join the promoted side.

Kapaito has told Goal his happiness to move to Ethiopia saying he will strive to do his best and help the team perform well in the top-flight.

What did Kapaito say?

“I am happy to have moved to this team, and I know they just got promoted to the top-flight in this campaign but I will strive to help them achieve some of the targets they have set for the season,” Kapaito told Goal on Wednesday.

The former FC Talanta striker also won the Golden Boot and the MVP in the 2018 season while playing for Sharks after notching 16 and he was the captain of the side before he left.

On winning the MVP this season, Kapaito told Goal: “I want to urge players who are yet to hit the headlines, the ones yet to be known that everything is possible, those players in the grassroots should trust in the process, anything is possible, and it is possible.

“I was not expecting to win the MVP because I knew I was facing a stiff challenge from my opponents but I am happy to have secured it for the second time in the history of the league.

“I want to dedicate the award to my teammates, without them, I could not have achieved it, it is a great honour to take it home, and will strive to do even better next season.”

Arba Minch was most recently promoted to the Premier League in the 2011-12 season.

After a relatively smooth first three seasons in the top league, frequent changes in coaches and administrative problems led them to struggle over the next four seasons and they narrowly avoided relegation in both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

The Ethiopian club last week signed another Kenya international in Bernard Ochieng from Wazito FC.

Wazito sign Tyson from Mathare United

Meanwhile, Wazito have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder of Tyson Otieno from Mathare United on a long-term deal.

Speaking after being unveiled, Otieno told the club’s official website: “I am excited to join Wazito FC because it’s a big, ambitious team. Joining the team was an easy decision to make because I have worked with coach Francis [Kimanzi] before, he introduced me to top-flight football, taught me many things and I enjoyed working with him.

”I am here to compete and give my best and help the team perform well.”

Former Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa says Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane “can talk forever” as he intends to tap into the knowledge of the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns tactician after taking up the job of Egypt assistant coach.

De Sa confirmed last week that he will be the Egypt assistant coach to Carlos Quieroz whom he has previously worked with in the Bafana Bafana set-up.

But with Mosimane coaching Al Ahly who have a number of players in the Egypt national team, De Sa is keen to work with his compatriot in executing his Pharaohs job. 

“That’s good news, isn't it? We can have a couple of reunions and get-togethers, which is always good,” De Sa told iDiski Times.

“Ja, looking forward to catching up with Pitso of course, and everybody else. And Pitso, I’m sure Pitso will keep me up for a couple of hours because he can talk forever about football. 

“We’ve always got on, we played together, we played against each other, we coached against each other as well.

“I think we started pretty much at the same time. No, it's always good to catch up and chat, it goes for hours and hours, and eventually, I get a word in.”

De Sa and his boss Quieroz will begin their Egypt tenure with a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Libya on October 8 at home.

The Pharaohs will then visit Libya for the return leg three days later.

Having coached in the Premier Soccer League all his career, De Sa explains “it doesn’t get bigger” than working in Egypt.

“I’m very fortunate that I’ve got a decent business and a very good marriage and family life that enabled me to continue my happy life here,” said De Sa.  

“But with an opportunity like this, the temptation was always going to be there and I had to make a choice. Ja, it doesn’t get bigger. And let’s have a go.”

De Sa becomes the third South African coach to work in Egypt after Mosimane and Calvin Johnson. 

Ultimate Team remains the most popular game mode on EA Sports' FIFA series and that looks set to continue in FIFA 22 when the game is launched.

Ahead of the official release date, FIFA 22 gamers can start building their Ultimate Team early by using the FUT 22 Web App and Companion app which can be accessed online.

So, when is the FIFA 22 Web App being launched and what can you do on it? Goal brings you everything you need to know.

When is the FIFA 22 Web App released?

The FIFA 22 Web App launches on September 22, 2021 - just over a week before the official release date of the game on October 1.

While EA Sports has not indicated the exact time of the FUT 22 Web App release, it is expected to be live from around 6pm BST (1pm ET), which is the usual time for FUT refreshes.

The Companion App, for iOS and Android devices, is expected to be launched on September 23.

How can I get the FIFA 22 Web App?

The FIFA 22 Web App can be accessed on your laptop, computer or other device by going to the official EA Sports website through any internet browser.

It can also be downloaded for free on iOS and Android mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet - simply search on the App Store or Google Play for 'FIFA 22 Companion App'.

If you already have the FUT Companion App on your phone there is no need to download it again as the app will update accordingly.

You can use your EA account to log in to the FUT Web App or else create a profile.

What is the FIFA 22 Web App?

The FIFA 22 Web App is an online application that allows people who play FIFA 22 to make edits to their Ultimate Team club in the event they do not have immediate access to their Xbox or PlayStation console.

Web App users are able to manage their squads, buy packs in the store and monitor the transfer market. It is also possible to partake in squad-building challenges.

It is not possible to play matches through the Web App or Companion App, but much of the game mode's key administrative activities are available.

When is the official FIFA 22 release date?

October 1, 2021 is the official release date for FIFA 22 and it will be available to play worldwide across PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch on that date.

Can FIFA 22 be played early?

Yes. There are a number of ways to play FIFA 22 before the official launch date of October 1.

It can be played early from September 22 on a 10-hour trial basis with an EA Play subscription. EA Sports is running an offer which sees the usual EA Play monthly fee reduced to 79p from £3.99 for the first month.

Anyone who pre-orders the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 22 will avail of four days early access, meaning the game will be playable from September 27.

More FIFA 22 news & updates

Derby County have been docked 12 points by the English Football League (EFL) amid the club's struggles with financial problems.

The club, managed by former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, are losing upwards of £1.3 million ($1.8m) per month according to owner Mel Morris.

Morris, who claims to have spent over £200m ($273m) of his own money in a bid to gain promotion to the Premier League, cited the financial impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as a factor in the club's monetary woes.

What has been said?

Confirming the 12-point deduction on Wednesday, a statement from the EFL reads: “The EFL can today confirm that, in accordance with EFL Regulations, a 12-point deduction has been immediately applied to Derby County Football Club’s 2021-22 season total. 

“This follows the lodging of the Notices of Intention to Appoint Administrators on Friday evening, and the subsequent announcement that the process of appointment was completed earlier today.

“The League has already held initial constructive discussions with the Administrators and will remain in regular dialogue with them as they seek to find the appropriate solutions required to assist the Club as it navigates its way out of insolvency.  

“In addition, the League will today be contacting representatives of Rams Trust (the Derby County Official Supporters Trust), DCMS, MPs from the Derby area and other relevant stakeholders inviting them to meet the League to discuss the Club’s position now that Administrators have been appointed.”

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch added: “I appreciate that this is a challenging and concerning period for everyone associated with the Club, particularly the staff and supporters, and it is our intention to work proactively with the Administrators and all relevant parties with the objective of securing a long-term and viable future for Derby County. 

“We will endeavour to provide timely and relevant updates as appropriate and as and when events unfold over the coming weeks.” 

The bigger picture

Derby had been sitting 12th in the Championship before the announcement, having amassed 10 points from eight games.

Now, however, the Rams have dropped straight to the bottom of England's second tier and will continue to talk with administrators to look for a solution to their financial problems.

Andrew Hosking, managing director of Quantuma, the firm in charge of restructuring Derby's outgoings, told Sky Sports: “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the finances of the club and its long-term ability to continue in its current form.

“We recognise that with the commencement of the 2021-22 season last month, this news will be of concern to stakeholders and fans, in addition to the city of Derby and the wider football community.

“We are in the early stages of assessing the options available to the club and would invite any interested parties to come forward.

“Our immediate objectives are to ensure the club completes all its fixtures in the Championship this season and finding interested parties to safeguard the club and its employees.”

Further reading

Ronald Koeman has called for patience as Barcelona look to rebuild amid their current crisis after reading out a statement at a press conference, where he declined to take questions.

Pressure is building on the Dutch coach amid his side's disappointing results of late, having suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League followed by a 1-1 draw against Granada on Monday.

There have been constant reports of the former Barca star being sacked, but Koeman says the club stand with him and understand that it will take time to get the team challenging for major trophies again.  

What did Koeman do?

Koeman addressed reporters at a press conference on Wednesday and read a brief statement to the press.

The 58-year-old refused to take any questions and left after arguing his case that they need to be patient if they are to overcome their financial problems, build a strong team and be considered a major force in Europe again.

"The club stands with me as the coach in a situation of rebuilding. The financial situation of the club is connected to the sporting activities and vice versa. This means that we as a team have to rebuild without having to make any big financial investments. This needs time," Koeman said.

"The young talent today could end up being the next big world stars in just a few years. In order to reconstruct this team, young players must get opportunities like Xavi and Andres Iniesta had in their day. But we must ask for patience.

"What's more, being in another ranking in La Liga is a great success. This is a great footballing school for these talents. In the Champions League we can't hope for miracles. The defeat to Bayern Munich last week has to be viewed from that perspective.

"The process that we're in right now, the staff and team deserves unconditional support in word and in actions. I know the press recognise this process. It's not the first time in Barcelona's history that this has happened.

"We count on your support at this difficult time. Us, as a staff and the players, are very happy with the great support from the fans like we had in the match against Granada."

Why did Koeman do this?

Goal has learned the former Netherlands manager made the decision to read the statement on his own and without the knowledge of the club leaders.

It is the latest development in a tense relationship between him and president Joan Laporta.

The two have exchanged jibes through the press in recent months. It has been reported that Laporta is demanding Koeman give certain young players an important role in the team and the coach responded by insisting recently that he should be in charge of selecting the team and not the president.

Will Koeman be sacked?

Goal understands the club are preparing to sack the coach.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has been identified as the leading candidate to replace the Dutchman.

Barca are looking for the right moment to relieve Koeman of his duties, with their busy schedule holding them back from making the call. 

Further reading

Victor Osimhen’s athletic strength can be devastating, according to Gianfranco Zola, who has described the Napoli striker as Romelu Lukaku’s "heir".

The Nigeria international took his tally for the season to three in four matches after finding the net in the Parthenopeans’ 4-0 triumph over Udinese on Monday night.

Prior to his effort against the White and Blacks, Osimhen had gotten a brace as Luciano Spalletti’s men played out a 2-2 draw with Leicester City in a Uefa Europa Cup fixture.

The final result at Stadio Friuli saw the Naples-based outfit lead the Italian top-flight log, having accrued 12 points from four matches, with a heavyweight encounter against Sampdoria up next.

Ahead of Napoli’s clash with Roberto D'Aversa’s Blue-circled at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, the former club striker gave an assessment of Spalletti’s squad.

“Napoli are really strong in every department,” Zola told La Gazzetta Dello Sport per Football Italia.

“They have [Victor] Osimhen, Insigne and Politano upfront, the quality in midfield, a solid defence with Kalidou Koulibaly and two reliable goalkeepers. I can’t see weak points in their team.

“I didn’t know Osimhen when he arrived last year, but I’ve studied him a little and I’ve discovered a talented player.

“His movements are so good, and his athletic strength can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir, he is still young and with room for improvement.”

Following his impressive debut season at Ligue 1 outfit Lille, Osimhen who scored 18 goals in 38 appearances in the 2019-20 season, joined the Italian side in a deal reported to be worth €50 million (£45m/$59m).

His display was recently lauded by former Italy striker Giuseppe Signori, who pointed out similarities between the Super Eagle and Didier Drogba.

“They look a lot like each other physically and technically,” he told  Tuttomercatoweb.

“He is good, he has everything: technique, strength, elevation, speed and power.

“He's a player who is still young and has room for improvement, and I think he showed a part of what he can do [against Leicester City].”

Osimhen is expected to lead Napoli’s attack against Sampdoria as victory would see them remain at the summit of the Serie A table.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has expressed delight with the return to action of Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus after some time in the treatment room.

In his first Eredivisie game of the season, the 21-year-old capped a fine substitute outing with a goal as the Lancers beat Fortuna Sittard 5-0 in matchday five clash on Tuesday.

He had been on the sidelines since sustaining an injury during a pre-season fixture against Belgian fold Anderlecht in July.

“It's been a nightmare for the boy - getting to a new club and getting injured in the first minutes of the first Champions League match. It affected him all season,” Ten Hag said, as reported by Tipsbladet.

“Then he started a new season in a good mood, and then he got another ugly injury in mid-July, and you are behind the others again. He is an introverted boy who quickly becomes isolated. 

“We did everything we could to help him through it. To some extent he has succeeded, but fortunately he has also done a lot himself. However, it is an annoying process, so it was good that he scored.”

Tuesday’s game provided Kudus’ second goal in four days, having scored on his action return as he featured for Ajax’s U23 side in a second-tier match against Almere City on Saturday.

On Sunday, he returned to the matchday squad of the senior team for the first time this term but was an unused substitute in what ended in a 9-0 Eredivisie annihilation of Cambuur.

He would be hoping for another run in Saturday’s league encounter with Groningen.

It has indeed been a frustrating time for Kudus at Ajax following his five-year move from Danish side Norsdjaelland last summer.

After a promising start at Johan Cruyff Stadium, the attacker suffered an injury on his Champions League in a game against Liverpool last October.

He resumed training in December and completed his injury comeback to club action in January but suffered another setback which sent him back to the sidelines until February.

On his return, he struggled for playing time, ultimately ending the 2019-20 league season with just 17 appearances involving eight starts but he did well to score four goals.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says there is a “new belief” they can make the grade to participate at the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

After two rounds of matches, South Africa lead the standings in Group G in their bid to qualify for Qatar 2022 following a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and a 1-0 win over Ghana.

SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been the Bafana captain under coach Hugo Broos and he believes they can “do the unthinkable” by booking a place in Qatar.

“It is still an honour for me to lead the team. It is all about international pride,” Williams told Sowetan Live.

“I have not conceded a goal, and I am happy. There is an air of optimism, and there is a new belief that we can qualify for the World Cup next year.

“We can do the unthinkable. The coach told us that the plan is to win the next two games against Ethiopia. He is a nice guy to work with and he makes life easy in the camp. He told us to put the country first.”

Apart from qualifying for the 2002 Fifa World Cup, Bafana Bafana last participated at the quadrennial global football showcase in 2010 as hosts. 

Under Williams’ leadership on the pitch, South Africa are yet to concede a goal as they head into back-to-back matches against Ethiopia in October.

“It is not going to be easy to play against Ethiopia but we believe that we can win the two games,” added Williams.

“I want to keep another clean sheet and help the team to maintain its unbeaten run.”

Bafana next face Ethiopia in consecutive matches, who were beaten 1-0 away in Ghana, before winning over Zimbabwe 1-0 at home.  

Broos has already named a provisional squad to do duty against Ethiopia.

Missing from that selection are Mamelodi Sundowns midfielders Themba Zwane and Rivaldo Coetzee.

Lebogang Phiri, who plies his trade in Turkey for Rizespor, has also not been selected by Broos. 

Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has called on the current regime under President Uhuru Kenyatta to move in with speed and help the dwindling fortunes of Kenyan football.

In a statement signed by the former FKF boss and obtained by Goal, Nyamweya has blamed the Ministry of Sports for taking a back seat and letting the federation run down the number one sport in the country under Nick Mwendwa's leadership.

Nyamweya believes should the Ministry of Sports fail to intervene, then Kenyan football lovers will never forgive President Kenyatta’s regime for their “negligence to bring order in our game.”

What did Nyamweya say?

For the last six years, our football has been on a downslide due to poor management, from our flight league to the national team, nothing has been going right,” read part of the statement from Nyamweya.

“Having served as Secretary-General of the Kenya Football Federation between 1996-2000 and also as President in 2013-2016, I feel saddened by the current state of affairs in our game.

“It is even more saddening that there is little [if any] interest from the Government to sort the situation. The Jubilee Government term comes to an end in August next year, but one area that His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta has been failed by his appointees is football.

“My successor Nick [Mwendwa] came with so many promises, with support from some top officials in Government, Mwendwa was elected in an election process that I opted out for the good of the game.

“But while I do not regret stepping down, I feel sad that the regime under Mwendwa has plundered the game yet those tasked to bring sanity have done little.”

Nyamweya feels under the regime of Mwendwa, Kenya has lost a lot including sponsorship.

'Our national team has become laughing stock'

“Under Mwendwa, the sponsorships and partnerships I initiated have gone and the local league is now run like a village tournament,” Nyamweya continued.

“Worst still, the national team which is representative of the nation has become a laughing stock more so after the recent appointment of a nondescript coach to manage the team for two months.

“Kenyan soccer lovers will never forgive the Kenyatta regime if it does not bring order in our game. Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario failed, but current CS Amina Mohamed has tried to salvage the game by bringing order. 

“And it is not just football that is crying, our cricket and rugby are on their knees too due to lack of proper support by those in charge at the ministry.

“We saw how Mwangi [Muthee] was hounded out of the Kenya Rugby Union despite playing a big role to professionalism the game. Jackie Jan Mohammed was also never given time to initiate her plans for cricket and was too frustrated out of Cricket Kenya.

“On behalf of the millions of Kenyans who love football and tens of thousands who play the game, I am challenging the CS Mohamed to come and save the game.

“If there is one legacy President Kenyatta will leave for our football, it will be to bring sanity in the game and that sanity will not come under Mwendwa.”

Genk have confirmed Theo Bongonda will play no part in Wednesday’s Belgian First Division A encounter against Royal Antwerp.

According to a statement from the club website, the former Belgium youth international is still out of action due to a hamstring setback, while offering an update on Nigeria and Ghana prospect Mujaid Sadick as he continues to recover from injury.

Bongonda, 25, suffered the knock during last week’s Europa League game against Rapid Vienna, prompting manager John van den Brom to substitute him for Mike Ndayishimiye at half-time.

“A lot of choice for our coach again. A number of players who did not play at Stayen or only briefly, return. Kristian Thorstvedt and Carel Eiting stayed at home on Sunday but are now of course back. Theo Bongonda (hamstring) is not yet available,” a statement from the club website read.

“Tobe Leysen, Mujaid Sadick, Jay-Dee Geusens and Andras Nemeth played last night with the promises at AA Gent (1-3 win and only leader).

“Simen Juklerod had to go to the side early in that match. He has relapsed in his calf injury.”

Making the 20-man squad are Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu, Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil and former England youth international Ike Ugbo.

Unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, the match billed for the Bosuilstadion Antwerp will see Genk reunite with their former striker Mbwana Samatta, who represented the club between 2016 to 2020.

During his time at the Luminus Arena, the Tanzania international featured in 191 games with 76 goals to his credit.

Despite having some key players missing, manager Van den Brom is positive that his selected squad will get the job done.

“This shows that we have a very nice core with all the players who can play,” he told the media.

“Antwerp have not rotated and they won too. It's a different team than last season, with a slightly different way of playing as well.

“It's going to be another very interesting match with an avid audience in the stands.”

As it stands, Genk occupy the third position having accrued 14 points from seven matches played so far, while Brian Priske's Royal Antwerp are tenth with just 11 points from the same number of matches.

Hannibal Mejbri has been tipped to become a "future Paul Scholes" at Manchester United by his former youth coach.

The 18-year-old has impressed with the United Under-23s side in recent years and made his senior debut for the Old Trafford club when he came off the bench in the final Premier League game of last season.

The attacking midfielder has already made three appearances for the Tunisia national team and his former coach at Paris FC, Reda Bekhti, has backed him to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team in the near future.

What has been said?

Bekhti has likened the France-born midfielder to United legend Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles with the club.

"The Premier League requires a lot of athleticism and a strong physical capacity. He can still grow more muscle. If he passes this milestone and does not pick up any injuries, he will win over [Solskjaer] I am sure," he told First Time Finish.

"He can become a future Paul Scholes at Manchester United. He has all the qualities in midfield to become a leader."

Who is Hannibal Mejbri?

The midfielder joined United in 2019 from Monaco after being linked to the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but United were able to land him in a deal reported to be worth €10 million (£9m/$11m) in total.

Mejbri has been tipped to succeed Paul Pogba in the middle of Solskjaer's team, with the France star constantly linked with a move away from the Red Devils.

Mejbri signed a new long-term contract with United in March this year.

Further reading