Van Gaal: Signing a striker not a priority for Manchester United.

WIth Wayne Rooney leading the line against Tottenham and the likes of Javier Hernandez and James Wilson also available, the Dutchman is not looking for another new face.

Louis van Gaal insists buying a striker is not a priority for Manchester United this summer.

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have both departed Old Trafford since the end of last season, with Wayne Rooney - often deployed in midfield last term - leading the line against Tottenham on Saturday.

A lacklustre display, with United's only shot on target resulting in Kyle Walker's decisive own goal, prompted concerns over Rooney's sharpness but Van Gaal feels he has plenty of competition already available.

"No, that is not a special item for me - it is more in the media they are discussing about a striker," Van Gaal told reporters.

"The striker is Wayne Rooney and we also have [Javier] Hernandez, [Adnan] Januzaj and [James] Wilson. It is not a special objective for me.

"But when we can buy another striker who has a lot of qualities, more than our players, then we buy. But we have always done that.

"I said it before but they [the media] are not writing it. I have said it before, we have Rooney. You [the media] said he has to play in a striker’s position."

A number of summer signings made their debuts on Saturday, with Memphis Depay installed in an unfamiliar supporting role behind the striker and Van Gaal afterwards revealed he challenged the youngster to step up.

The United boss added: "It is a new position for him and he has to adapt because he is a goalscoring type.

"We have to wait and see if he can fulfil the demands of this position but [he’s playing there] because Ashley Young is playing very good on the left side," said the manager.

"Therefore those is the circumstances but they can change during the season. He can play in this position."

Pulis: Berahino will benefit from West Brom stay.

The 22-year-old is reportedly a target for Tottenham, with the Baggies moving to deny any offers had been made, and his manager wants to see him remain with the club for now.

Tony Pulis is confident reported Tottenham target Saido Berahino will stay at West Brom this summer.

Spurs are reportedly ready to test the Baggies' resolve with a bid, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to add the England Under-21 international to his ranks after 20 goals in all competitions last term.

The ongoing speculation led West Brom to issue a denial that any offers have been received, and Pulis feels Berahino would benefit from another year at the Hawthorns alongside new signing Rickie Lambert.

"At the moment, Saido is with us," he told reporters. "We are very pleased he is with us and we are hoping he will stay with us. He is a good player and we want him to stay at the football club.

"I believe another year playing regular football at West Brom will make him a better player. It will make him a stronger character and better player, that is my opinion.

"Saido got injured and missed the European tournament, that was a massive disappointment for the kid. But it has given him a break and a rest so hopefully he will come back nice and fresh.

"He has been fresh around the place and trained very well."

Pulis acknowledged that West Brom - who are rumoured to be closing in on a club-record deal for Zenit striker Salomon Rondon - are in need of more quality up front and feels Lambert's experience will be beneficial.

He added: "Last year, we relied a lot on Saido's goals. Rickie has a really good goalscoring record and we are hoping he will add to what Saido did last year.

"He will give us another threat. Rickie is a senior player and good character as well. I think Saido will learn a lot off him."

Mourinho: Chelsea don't miss Cech!.

The Blues will be forced to start Asmir Begovic after Thibaut Courtois was sent off against Swansea City, but the manager believes they will be fine without their former goalkeeper.

 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisted the Premier League champions do not miss former shot stopper Petr Cech as back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic prepares to make his full debut for the club.

Cech ended his 11-year association with Chelsea by joining London rivals Arsenal after being consigned to a bench role behind Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge last season.

Begovic, who was recruited to fill the void left by Cech, is set to be thrust into action against Manchester City following Courtois' red card during Chelsea's 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City and Mourinho has complete faith in the Bosnian in the absence of Chelsea's regular number one.

"We don't miss Petr," Mourinho said. "We've got a good keeper, the problem with Petr is not that we miss him because we have two excellent keepers.

"The problem with Petr is that an opponent is better than before.

"Thibaut and Asmir are two fantastic keepers. My club did very well by getting a keeper on time and not on the August 31.

"If my club gives me a keeper on August 31, then we have a problem not just for today but also for the next match. Unless the people understand that it's not a red card and they clear the suspension."
 

KCB 1-6 Gor Mahia: K’Ogalo run riot to cement top spot.

It was K’Ogalo’s first victory on return to Kenyan soil after falling flat in their quest to end a long wait and clinch Cecafa Cup title in Tanzania last weekend.

 

Rwandese striker Meddie Kagere struck a brace as Gor Mahia demolished KCB 6-1 and remained on course to clinch a successive third Kenyan Premier League title on Sunday.
Michael Olunga broke the deadlock on the 16th minute to pave way for Meddie Kagere’s brace in the 36th and 71st minutes as Khalid Aucho also recorded his second goal of the season in the 75th minute.
Paul Kiongera had cancelled one in the 57th minute, two minutes before his teammate, Mark Odhiambo scored into his own net while trying to clear Kagere’s cross. K’Ogalo were undoubtedly a better side in both halves creating chances willingly but only converted five of those.
Innocent Wafula assisted two goals as did his country mate Godfrey Walusimbi, who found Olunga with a clinical pass that resulted into the opener. Despite scoring two and creating one, Kagere was pulled off in the 74th minute for Enoch Agwanda and it seems Frank Nuttall had a hidden agenda as the former Sofapaka man went on to get the sixth goal and his first for the Green Army jersey in the league.
From the win, Gor Mahia opens an eight point gap after Sony Sugar forced K’Ogalo’s closest challengers Ulinzi Stars to a 1-1 draw as Bandari held Chemelil Sugar to a goalless draw.

Chelsea sloppy, Arsenal shoddy but it's far too early to write them off.

CORRESPONDENT COLUMN: There are too many variables to make any bold predictions after the title favourites failed to impress on the opening weekend.

The Premier League returned with a bang this weekend and the performances of this season's title protagonists provided plenty of ammunition for those who claim that this is the most competitive division in the world.

Manchester United were sloppy and unconvincing as they scraped past Tottenham in the curtain-raiser, champions Chelsea were held at home by Swansea City and Arsenal fluffed their lines as they were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium by West Ham on Sunday.

Manchester City play West Brom on Monday night in the final match of the opening weekend, but it is almost impossible to draw any firm conclusions with teams so clearly in need of time to settle in to the nine month campaign.

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REALITY CECH  Arsenal choke in Premier League opener

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Arsenal, for example, came up against a West Ham side that have been playing competitive Europa League fixtures for the last month and looked so much sharper than their London rivals.

The earlier-than-usual start to the season seems to have interfered with some clubs' preparations. Players aren't ready to start matches, pre-season tours have been rushed through and signings are yet to settle.

In all likelihood, we won't be in a position to analyse the state of the anticipated top four - Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City - until the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Manchester United have strengthened well over the summer but there is still a sense that they are caught in a whirlwind. That will only settle down once David de Gea's future has been settled and Louis van Gaal has signed the players he wants to complete the squad.



United expect to finalise a deal for Pedro this week but they still need a striker, a central defender and a goalkeeper if De Gea completes his move to Real Madrid.

Arsenal still hope to sign a top class striker in Karim Benzema in what would be a club record deal. The Real Madrid star would be a massive upgrade on Olivier Giroud and it is the kind of transfer that would make the Gunners title favourites.

Chelsea have the most settled squad after their runaway title triumph last season, but they are desperate to sign a centre-back as the Blues close in on a £30 million deal for John Stones. Jose Mourinho has often talked of the need for one or two quality signings every summer to keep the squad sharp and hungry.

Likewise, Manchester City are still throwing in £45m bids for players - Kevin De Bruyne in this case - after the season has started.







There are simply too many variables to make any judgement after just one game. Arsenal reverted to their suicidal defending of the first half of last season but have 37 games to correct it; Manchester United understandably lacked attacking rhythm as their host of new players settle at Old Trafford.

Mourinho was also right last week when he spoke of the impressive spending by the 'smaller' Premier League clubs, which have used the financial muscle of the league to improve over the summer.

"There will be more times when the non-title contenders win matches against the title contenders," Mourinho said.

"It's also difficult because they have players who could play in our teams - Cabaye could play for Chelsea, Wijnaldum could play for Chelsea, Gradel could play for Chelsea.

"You have a minimum of five title contenders and the other teams get stronger and stronger."

It will make for an exciting and unpredictable season - but it will be a few weeks yet before we can start to draw any firm conclusions.

 

Firmino: Liverpool wanted me for over a year.

The Brazil international moved to Anfield from Hoffenheim for a fee that could rise to €40 million and says he was convinced to join the club by their dogged pursuit

Roberto Firmino has revealed that Liverpool had been attempting to secure his signature for “over a year” before he decided to join the Reds.

The Brazil international sealed a move to Anfield earlier this month for a fee that could rise to €40 million and has now revealed his reasons for securing a move away from Hoffenheim.

"I decided for Liverpool because they wanted me for over a year,” he told Bild. “There was a certain sympathy from the beginning and I had a good feeling from the start.

"I come to the best league in the world. I can grow there. Physically, it will be a new challenge due to the big number of games to be played with the five competitions.

"I am looking forward [to seeing] the fans at Anfield. I am already having goosebumps if I think of them singing 'You'll never walk alone'.”

Firmino also insists that he will not be weighed down by his fee, and says he is looking forward to linking up with fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.

"I don’t see my fee as burden. Rather as an appreciation and a compliment,” he added.

"It is an advantage that Coutinho is there. He is my compatriot and knows me and can make my familiarisation easier. And aside from that, we get on well."

Martinez: No Everton bid for Evans.

The Northern Ireland international has been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park in recent days but the Spaniard insists there is no truth in the rumours

Roberto Martinez says there is no truth in reports linking Everton with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

It was suggested on Thursday that the Toffees were poised to sign the Northern Ireland international for a fee of £8 million, but the coach insists no deal is in place.

"No, it's not true," he told reporters. "I always said that I am not going to be commenting on any of the names that are being shared around but I can tell you there is nothing true about that subject."

Martinez was also keen to quash speculation linking Everton midfielder James McCarthy with a summer exit, though Goal understands that Manchester City have identified the 24-year-old as a potential acquisition after missing out on Fabian Delph, while Tottenham remain interested.

"James McCarthy is a story that we keep hearing and I can only guess where that's coming from but from our point of view he is a phenomenal asset," Martinez added.

"We spent a lot of money on him and we are going to build a team around him. He has a long-term contract with Everton and there is not a single issue. He enjoys his football, is an example to the group and there is no story.

"For every Evertonian's piece of mind, James McCarthy is at Everton, his future is here and there is no story to comment on."

Official: Arsenal's Sanogo joins Ajax on loan.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger says that the young French striker "needs to play" as he heads to the Eredivisie to spend the full 2015-16 season with Frank de Boer's side

Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has joined Ajax on a season-long loan deal.

The France Under-21s international spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace but will now spend the entire 2015-16 campaign at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Sanogo has struggled for opportunities since moving to the Emirates Stadium in 2013 and is likely to fall further down the pecking order, with Arsene Wenger admitting that Chuba Akpom will be given first-team opportunities this season.


"He needs to play," Wenger told the club's official website of Sanogo's exit.

"He came to us injured and it took us a while to get him to the top level. He's ready to play now and I'm sure he can be a good signing for Ajax.

"He has an opportunity to play in the Champions League with Ajax, which is good experience. We have a good relationship with them and hopefully he can have a great season."

Sanogo will be battling it out with Poland international Arek Milik for the No.9 position at Ajax.

Kasaya: Nakumatt will finish amongst top three.

Former AFC Leopards custodian happy with new signings at FKF Premier League side Nakumatt and insists they will earn promotion to top flight.

Former Gor Mahia, Sony Sugar and AFC Leopards goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya has expressed optimism that his new side Nakumatt FC will finish amongst top three teams in the league.
The FKF Premier League side have made quality signings in the just concluded transfer window bringing in Donald Mosoti, Martin Imbalambala, Kasaya among others, and with those signings the Harambee Stars custodian is confident the team will steadily rise and be among the teams that shall gain promotion at the end of the season.
“I am happy with what I have seen so far in the team. The players are amazing and everything here is good. We are looking forward to the start of the second leg which I am sure we will be a hard nut to crack due to recent developments in the club. Quality has been added and as a result, we expect the second half to be exciting in terms of results,” Kasaya told Goal on Friday.
“The aim will be the top three, that is what we want, and with these players, we can achieve it. But finishing on top also is possible, very possible because the gap is not that big, putting in mind we have seventeen matches to go. We will take every game as it comes with an aim of finishing as high as possible.”

Thika United aiming for a win against Mathare United.

Milk men ready for ‘Slum Boys’ test as they aim to end their win less run in two matches, something that has seen them drop to position nine.

Thika United coach Tim Bryett is keen to end their losing streak when they face Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Thika suffered back to back defeats against Gor Mahia and Western Stima in their last two matches to drop to ninth position on the log with 25 points, something the coach is keen to stop against tricky ‘slum boys’, who have gone seven matches without a win.
“It has not been a good run for us, we have lacked a little bit of consistency in our recent fixtures, and if we are to progress we have to stop this. As a team we have to work together to stop this poor run and start registering positive results which will benefit us, as a team,” Bryett told Goal on Friday.
“Mathare is a good side, we know their style of play, and it makes it even tricky. But we are confident of getting something from the match, which will act like a motivator to us. They can be dangerous when given a lot of time to posses the ball, so pressing them will be vital, and the best we can do I think is to play our game and take our chances.”

Bandari ready for Muhoroni Youth test.

After six clean sheets, the Dockers face a stern test in the form of Muhoroni Youth, but coach Muhiddin is hopeful they will come out unscathed.

Bandari FC coach Twahir Muhiddin expects his team to continue with their excellent form when they face Muhoroni in a Kenyan Premier League on Saturday
The Dockers are in a fine form winning four matches while not conceding in six, a run which has seen the side move to sixth position on the log with 29 points, and the tactician is keen to extend the run against struggling Muhoroni side, that recently fired coach Francis Baraza
“I am very happy with my team, we have started the second leg well and we are stronger defensively too. Six clean sheets in a row is not a mean achievement, and results like these pushes us to even work harder in the league. As a team, we are still committed to finish as high as possible in the league and maintain our good run,” Muhiddin told Goal.
“Definitely Muhoroni will be difficult, they are at home and they have had an inconsistent season so far, with a new coach, they will want to dent our run and get something from us. Yes they have an advantage of playing at home, but that will not deter our intentions of getting good results. We are going for a win, and hopefully we will get it.”

Harambee Starlets yet to depart despite obtaining visas.

Goal understands that the Starlets are currently held up at Kasarani Hostels as FKF personnel makes frantic efforts to secure flight to Johannesburg.

Harambee Starlets are yet to depart for South Africa to face Banyana Banyana in Olympic qualifier on Saturday despite securing visas for the traveling contingent on Friday.
Starlets are currently holed up at Kasarani as Football Kenya Federation officials make frantic efforts to secure a flight to Johannesburg. “We received our visas today (Friday) and also visited Devolution Minister Anne Waiguru, who donated playing kits and uniforms to the team," a source with team told Goal.
“After that we were informed to head back to Kasarani from where we will be advised accordingly. We are relaxing here at Kasarani waiting for the next course of action. What I am made to understand is that we don’t have a flight to South Africa scheduled for today (Friday).
“I have fears that we might be forced to depart tomorrow (Saturday) and arrives hours to the match and this will not be good for the girls’ because they will be jetlagged.”
Kenya sailed to the second phase of the qualifiers after tossing out Botswana on away goal rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw. The return leg will be played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on August 1.
Squad: Pauline Atieno, Carolyn Chepkoech, Ann Aluoch, Caroline Kiget, Dorcas Shikobe, Irene Ogutu, Mary Kinuthia, Tabaka Chacha, Leila Apiyo, Jennifer Nyamusi, Esse Akida, Maureen Achieng, Neddy Atieno(captain), Caroline Anyango, Harriet Fahiri, Cheris Avilia, Veronica Wafula, Wendy Achieng, Enez Mudeizi and Vivian Akinyi.
Officials: David Ouma (coach), Mary Adhiambo (Assistant coach), Lawrence Webo (Goalkeeping trainer), Joyce Nduku (Physiologist), Roselyn Adhiambo (Team manager) and Angeline Mwikali (Head of Delegation).

Wanga trains with Azam ahead of transfer move.

Former AFC Leopards striker joined his new teammates at Azam FC for training session and reports indicate he will ink contract before Sunday.

Former AFC Leopards striker Allan Wanga on Friday trained with Azam FC as he inched even closer to signing a contract with the Tanzanian club.
The Harambee Stars’ hit man trained with the team at Azam Complex under the watchful eyes of coach Stewart Hall. Azam revealed through their official website that Wanga, formerly of El-Merreikh, will sign a contract before Sunday.
“I am very happy to be here at Azam. My main target is to train as hard as I can so that I can impress the coach and also help the team when my services are needed. Azam is a good team with all the facilities required for a professional player and I have closely been monitoring the club and I am impressed with the way they have made big strides,” said Wanga.
Wanga also revealed that he hopes to settle in well into Tanzanian life after he puts pen to paper. “I had a lot of difficulties living in Sudan and that was one of the reasons I refused to extend my stay at El-Merreikh.
“I hope here in Tanzania things will be better and I will adopt as quickly as possible and get playing time to showcase my ability. Life in Sudan was very difficult for foreign players because the place is very hot and the environment not friendly at all. I am happy to have found a new home here at Azam.”
Coach Hall, who also coached Sofapaka in Kenyan Premier League while Wanga was turning out for AFC Leopards, said he will monitor the player in training before making up his mind. “I am happy to see Wanga around but I will need to study his style of play before we can move forward.”

Benteke gamble will define Rodgers' Liverpool reign

The striker could prove to be a key weapon for the Reds after bullying the club's defenders during his previous meetings with the club, but he will have a big price tag to justify.

While Mamadou Sakho took selfies hugging koala bears from his hotel balcony on Thursday evening in Australia, it is conceivable that just down the hallway, his defensive partner Martin Skrtel was alone, staring out across the Brisbane skyline with relief washing over him like a cool wave.

The defender may have known that Liverpool had finally met Aston Villa's demands for Christian Benteke, thus surely bringing to an end a transfer story that has run almost as long as Raheem Sterling's protracted exit from Anfield.

The good news for Skrtel? He would not have to mark Benteke in a competitive match any time soon.

But then the bad news, the cold realisation: for the foreseeable future, he'll probably have to confront his bane most days in training at Melwood.

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Liverpool to make £32.5m Benteke bid

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When Benteke faced Liverpool in December 2012 he represented a Tirpitz - a battleship pummeling the opposition defence and overwhelming every living species on its course.

Benteke's last blockade was Skrtel, who, despite possessing a shaven head and numerous sinister-looking tattoos, was made to look like a determined but novice boxer up against the Mike Tyson of strikers, who repeatedly put him on the canvas.

The 24-year-old scored twice that night, with his second goal of the game making it 3-0 to Villa after just 51 minutes. The game eventually finished 3-1 and the unforgiving nature his performance made it feel like the visiting team were always going to prevail.

In April, more or less the same thing happened: Liverpool played Villa, although this was in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Skrtel versus Benteke. The result: Liverpool one, Aston Villa two – Benteke sliding in Villa's equaliser on an occasion Simon Mignolet, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, left the field with a bruised tongue after the striker roughed him up while a corner-kick was being taken.



It is these encounters that should have defined Skrtel. He is approaching his eighth full season as a Liverpool player and considering he has been a constant in an area of the pitch that naturally requires leaders, it is damning that he was not amongst those considered as Steven Gerrard's successor as club captain.

Yet it is Brendan Rodgers whose future will probably be determined by Benteke. While Skrtel last week signed a new contract that ties his immediate career to Liverpool despite interest from Inter, Benteke's signing is one that simply has to be successful if Rodgers is to remain at Anfield.

Benteke is Rodgers' call. Whereas this time last year, Liverpool's transfer committee persuaded him it was a good idea to sign Mario Balotelli only for the Italian to flop, the manager has seemingly convinced those around him that the Belgium international is worth £32.5 million.

Liverpool had made their position clear since May: they wanted Benteke – his recruitment was their primary objective in the transfer market this summer. Yet they valued him at around the £25m mark. Villa were co-operative but grew tired of waiting for an acceptable offer.

As it transpired, all Villa had to do was let it be known publicly that Manchester United were also supposedly interested in Benteke. Quickly enough, Liverpool reacted in fear they would again miss out on target number one and end up overpaying for number two or number three as the window of opportunity to buy new players became smaller.



We will soon know whether Benteke possesses the consistency and mental resilience of a top striker able to deal with the pressures that come with becoming Liverpool's second most expensive signing in history.

But there is more to his game than critics say. There is variety in the type of goals he scores, while rather than thriving from a direct style, which is certainly not favoured by Rodgers, his most productive periods under Paul Lambert came when Villa counter-attacked, which was an outstanding feature of the Rodgers team that went so close to winning the Premier League title in 2014.

It would be naive to sign Benteke based solely on his displays against Liverpool. Surely he has been scouted accordingly and his character vetted. The last time Liverpool last brought in a striker based on a goalscoring efforts against them, Andy Carroll was a Newcastle United player and Skrtel was marking him.

And look how that story ends: with Carroll at West Ham, Kenny Dalglish – the manager – eventually being sacked. Skrtel, though, remains. And Benteke is about to be an ally rather than an enemy.

 

Schweinsteiger shines & Schneiderlin strikes as Van Gaal's Man Utd rebuild shows promise

                                                                 All of the Dutchmen's four summer signings made their debuts as the Red Devils picked up a pre-season win over Club America in the International Champions Cup

 This time last year, Louis van Gaal took charge of his first game as Manchester United manager, just 12 days after guiding the Netherlands to a third place finish at the World Cup in Brazil.

Preparations were not ideal. Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera had been signed, but not identified as recruits by the Dutchman and both started against the LA Galaxy in the International Champions Cup. Danny Welbeck was amongst the scorers and young debutant Reece James struck twice. Despite the hurried nature of Van Gaal's arrival, United won 7-0.

Fast forward 12 months and much has changed for United. Van Gaal recognised the weaknesses in his squad after a season in charge and moved quickly to rectify them this summer, signing Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian.

Welbeck has gone, as has Darren Fletcher, who also played on that day in Pasadena last year. Transfer deadline day signing Falcao has departed, reduced to little more than a bit-part role during a season-long loan at Old Trafford. Even Robin van Persie, Van Gaal’s compatriot, has followed Nani et al out of the exit door.

And while United failed to put seven past Club America, Van Gaal will be just as pleased with a 1-0 victory in Seattle and the contributions of his new signings on their first outings for the club.

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MATCH REPORT: Club America 0-1 Manchester United

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Van Gaal’s influence on United is more evident than ever before. Depay is a player he nurtured at international level, while Schweinsteiger was an almost ever-present during his time playing for the Dutchman at Bayern.

The new-look United was very much on display in Seattle, with Depay, Schneiderlin and Darmian all featuring in the opening 45 minutes, while Schweinsteiger came on for the second half.

Schneiderlin marked his first appearance with a looping headed goal after just five minutes and Depay, while largely anonymous on his debut for the club, displayed a small glimpse of what might be to come this season, playing in Rooney with a deft one-touch pass which the striker blasted wide.

United took on a more youthful look in the second half with the likes of Adnan Januzaj, Andreas Pereira, James Wilson, and Jesse Lingard all introduced.

But the presence and performance of the 30-year-old Schweinsteiger shone through, just days after he completed his move to United and caught a plane to the USA with his new team-mates.







Schweinsteiger’s class, discipline and experience were evident in his first 45 minutes for his new club. When United had the ball he sat in the deepest position in midfield, dictating the shape and tempo of his side much in the same way as Michael Carrick, whom he replaced. He threaded passes together and allowed the younger players in front of him to express themselves.

Van Gaal has been heavily involved in both transfer activity and preparations for this pre-season tour. It was he who picked the club’s two bases in the USA, keen to reduce travel-related fatigue and the need for his squad to adjust to a number of different time zones.

He knows all too well, however, that his work is not yet done. He has acknowledged that United need to strengthen in two more positions this summer, while the matter of David de Gea’s future remains unresolved.

Questions regarding De Gea’s future have been dismissed as “stupid” by Van Gaal but his absence from proceedings, attributed by the Dutchman to a minor training ground injury prior to this game, will only cast further doubt over the goalkeeper’s position at the club. Real Madrid’s signing of Espanyol keeper Kiko Casillo complicates the issue further.

Injury or no injury, this was not a game in which De Gea was needed. There may still be plenty of work to do behind the scenes, but on the pitch, the signs for Van Gaal and United are encouraging.

Yanga - Gor Mahia Preview: K’Ogalo ready to prove a point in Cecafa.

                                        All teams are looking forward for a good start with Yanga making a return after a two year absence and Gor Mahia keen to amend last year's early exit

 

Both teams have won the competition five times and they will be looking forward to win this year’s edition to match Simba SC, who have won the regional event for a record six times.
The Tanzanian champions have just won a twenty six round Vodacom Premier League with Gor Mahia currently unbeaten at home after eighteen rounds. Yanga returns after a two year absence with compatriots Gor Mahia making it two out of two in this 40th edition which will be hosted by Tanzania.
The two sides clashed in the 1976 finals with Gor Mahia claiming a 2-1 victory to clinch their first ever regional trophy before defending it successfully a year later. These teams last met in this competition nineteen years ago with Gor Mahia winning 4-0.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The hosts will rely on Haruna Niyonzima, Simon Msuva, Nadir Haroub na Amissi Tambwe. Msuva finished the season with seventeen goals, three ahead of compatriot Tambwe, who finished second. The two have formed a good chemistry between them which saw Yanga cruise at home. Donald Ngoma is another player who will cause havoc if given chance; he has shown great potential after joining from Zimbabwe’s FC Platinum. In contrast to their opposition, who have recorded five defeats on their way to claiming their 20th league title, Gor Mahia’s current form is incomparable. The team has not tasted defeat since early April when they lost by a solitary goal away to AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville in Caf Champions League.
Ali Abondo, Michael Olunga and Meddie Kagere have been the driving force behind K’ogalo’s recent run, scoring 31 goals between them. They will try to replicate their form in this competition to erase last editions sores that saw the fourteen times Kenyan champions exit at group stage.

PROBABLE LINE-UP

Yanga FC: Deogratias Munish "Dida", Mbuyu Twite, Oscar Joshua, Nadir Haroub "Cannavaro"(C), Kelvin Yondani "Cotton", Hamis Thabit, Saimon Msuva, Haruna Niyonzima, Donald Ngoma, Amissi Tambwe and Hamisi Issa. Gor Mahia: Boniface Oluoch “Abawa”, Godfrey Walusimbi, Karim Niyizigimana, Musa Mohammed, Haron Shakava, Collins 'Gattuso' Okoth, Meddie Kagere, Khalid Aucho, Michael Olunga, Ali 'Teargas' Abondo and George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo.

PREDICTION

It will be a difficult match for both sides, with the attacking ruthlessness possessed by each side, goals are a guarantee. However, the Kenyan side have a chance of maintaining their run against the Tanzanian giants if history is anything to go by. Yanga 1-3 Gor Mahia

Gor face Yanga in Kagame Cup opener

Ambitious Yanga FC go head to head with inform Gor Mahia in their opening Group A fixture on Saturday at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match will be preceded by a clash pitting APR of Rwanda and Al Shandy of Sudan from 2pm (EAT) with both games live on your world of champions.
The KPL leaders will be looking to carry their run of form and improve on their disappointing group stage exit last year.
Gor coach Frank Nuttall says their aim is to replicate their impressive local form at the regional tourney.
“There is going to be high competition in that tournament because all the teams that are coming in are national champions in their respective countries. It is a good thing that we are leaving the country with an unbeaten league record, and it will be lovely to have the same results in Cecafa.”
“We, however, have to be realistic and I think making it out of the group stages alive will be a great way to start because, then, it will give us room to build up and possibly challenge for top honours. But we need to get out of the group and that is our goal,” he said.
In last year’s edition held in Kigali, Rwanda, the 14-time Kenyan champions were ignominiously bundled out of the competition at the group stages without winning a single match. In fact, the club lost two matches and drew two.
K’Ogalo are currently riding high in the Kenyan Premier League, comfortably perched at the top of the table unbeaten with 46 points from 18 matches.
The team’s trip to Dar looked uncertain over lack of funds. However, the club collected Sh2.5 million at a funds drive on Tuesday evening. Additionally, The Ministry of Sports has provided 30 air tickets.
Gor Mahia are in Group A alongside Tanzanian football power houses Yanga, Djibouti Telecom, KMKM of Zanzibar and Sudan outfit Al Khartoum where the club’s former midfielder Anthony Akumu currently plies his trade.
Yanga coached by Dutch born Hans Van Pluijm won the cup five time in 1975,1993.1999 ,2011 and 2012. They will be in upbeat mood to prove they are the Tanzania Mainland League champions by going all the way to the finals.
Yanga who are camping at Kurasini Police Institute in Dar will bank on captain Nadir “Cannavaro”Haroub and Rwanda’s Haruna Niyonzima.
Thirteen teams are expected to feature in the championship whose defending champion El Merreikh of Sudan will be a no show due to Caf Champions League engagements in the group stages.
Two teams from Sudan will take part in the tourney, one as the country’s representative and the other as holder representative.
Yanga’s Confederation Cup journey may have been shattered painfully but they can hold their heads high for ‘making’ their fans proud.
Their journey in the Caf Confederations Cup ended in disappointment after they lost 2-0 to tactically-superior Etoile du Sahel (2-1 on aggregate) in the second leg match in Tunis on Saturday.
After what has been a memorable campaign in this tournament, the Jangwani Street team came so close to making the lucrative group stages where they would have been assured of millions of shillings in earnings.
The organizers have earmarked training venues for all teams that will feature in the two-week long tourney with the exception of hosts Young Africans and Azam FC.

England to play Germany in friendly

England will face World Cup winners Germany in Berlin on March 26 next year ahead of the 2016 European Championships, the Football Association said on Friday.
Roy Hodgson's side top Group E with six wins from six matches and England could have already qualified for next year's finals in France by the time the Germany friendly takes place at the Olympic Stadium.
England's last meeting with Germany came at Wembley in November 2013 when Per Mertesacker's header gave Germany a 1-0 victory in the build up to the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Bellerin staying at Arsenal

Arsenal's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin has signed a new long-term contract after a breakthrough campaign at the Emirates last season, the Premier League side said on Friday.
Bellerin, 20, capitalised on injuries to France defender Mathieu Debuchy by scoring twice in 28 appearances and impressing with his defensive aptitude and willingness to attack.
"His progress has been huge because if you had asked me that question last year, exactly on the same day, I would not have guaranteed you that Bellerin would be a regular player in the club by the end of the season, but he managed to do it," manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal Player.
"I met him when he was 15 and I could see straight away that there was something special on the hunger side, on the desire and maturity side," the Frenchman added. "I expect him to continue to develop (in the new season)."
Bellerin joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich & the Premier League - Where do the riches really lay across Europe?

SPECIAL REPORT: Premier League's top sides are well placed to be active in the transfer market but it is Florentino Perez who will once again be top of the transfer food chain.

Unai Emery was interviewed before the Europa League final by the Guardian and talk soon turned to Sevilla's transfer targets. "We wanted Gaston Ramirez," the Spaniard disclosed. "But he went to Hull City. We can’t compete economically with Hull City."

No other quote has quite managed to capture the economic disparity between the Premier League's lucky few and the rest of Europe outside the gates. Sevilla went on to qualify for the Champions League by virtue of their resounding win over Dnipro. Hull were relegated.

For the vast majority of players, England is the best place to go to earn their fortunes. Deloitte's Annual Review of Football Finance finds itself in perfect agreement with Emery.

A combination of "regulatory led cost control" and spiralling broadcast revenues mean all 20 Premier League clubs are represented in the most recent edition of Deloitte's Money League, accelerating far from European rivals. Indeed, the "poorest" Premier League team posted good enough revenue figures to make it into the top six of all of Europe's next four most powerful leagues.

The Premier League now generates €3.9 billion in revenue, over €1.2bn more than its closest competitor, the Bundesliga, which is more than La Liga and Serie A combined. In 2013-14, 19 of the 20 clubs in the league posted operating profits with 13 teams posting record operating profits.

What it means is that any Premier League club has a head start on practically any other European counterpart in the market. "With relatively few barriers to movement for players, particularly within Europe, England’s increased means clearly gives Premier League clubs a greater purchasing power than ever before," the report states.

Manchester United have a reported €180m to spend this summer. They took in close to €115m last season based on their Premier League performances and with Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, at least another €30m on top of that will be banked thanks to the club's onfield displays. A new kit deal with adidas, said to be worth €89m a year, as well as the existing €63m-per-annum deal with Chevrolet mean that United leave the rest behind when it comes to generating revenue.

Deloitte estimates United to have made football's highest operating profit in 2013-14 with €139m banked. That allowed executive vice chairman Ed Woodward to sanction big money deals for Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera and others last summer. By current estimations United will have about the same sum again to lavish on the market this summer in an attempt to piece together a squad to challenge for the title.



Neighbours Manchester City claim their initial period of "accelerated investment" under the Abu Dhabi United Group is at an end. That is probably just as well considering they had their wings clipped by Uefa's Financial Fair Play penalties last summer. City were profoundly affected by Uefa's restrictions last season, being forced to cut spending to a maximum of around €60m, and must still keep their wage budget at 2013-14 levels for another year at least.

They must also limit their losses this year to around €8m. It means that City's spending could still be severely curtailed if they cannot sell off some squad players, even as Uefa's regulations look to be relaxed. Manuel Pellegrini is said to be committed to at least one marquee summer signing with Kevin de Bruyne, the former Chelsea starlet now excelling with Wolfsburg, and Paul Pogba linked.

FA Cup winners Arsenal will again be among the high rollers this summer following last season's capture Alexis Sanchez and €110m total outlay. The year before the headline arrival was Mesut Ozil and it should be no problem for the Gunners to find the cash to bring another star to the club. The club's half-yearly accounts released in February showed Arsene Wenger sitting on cash reserves of €166m with at least €60m of that rumoured available for summer transfers.

Arsenal's funds have been boosted by their €36m-per-annum deals with Puma and Emirates as well as the added cash from the new British domestic broadcast contracts. A new central midfielder, a centre forward and a goalkeeper could be brought to the Emirates with Morgan Schneiderlin and Petr Cech tipped to be the first to move in the off season.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have managed to free up around €48m per season from what would have counted against their FFP totals. The decision to offload Fernando Torres to AC Milan meant that €21m was wiped from the books in terms of salary and transfer fee amortisation figures. Furthermore, Eden Hazard's new contract, although increased to €240,000 per-week, also counted positively towards Chelsea's FFP obligations. The value of Hazard's transfer fee and wages can now be spread over a five-and-a-half year period which means the club's annual books are in better shape.

As well as the new TV deal, Chelsea can also celebrate a new shirt sponsorship deal with Japanese giant Yokohama Rubber worth €48m a season. It means that Jose Mourinho will not be working on the restricting 'one in, one out' basis he has been since returning to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese has earmarked "two or three" signings for the Blues this summer. All are likely to be top dollar.



“The battles for the greatest talents will still rage amongst Europe’s elite clubs, but the Premier League’s resources will continue to allow it to have an unmatched level of strength in depth,” ran the Deloitte report, emphasising the lure of those big, traditional winning clubs around the continent.

Real Madrid may again be restructuring in the dugout with Rafael Benitez now the man in charge but the identity of the coach has never detracted from their unique ability to spend, spend, spend. James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos were the Galacticos last season and David de Gea is already tipped to follow Danilo to the Santiago Bernabeu for big money. Madrid's accounts are in rude health. Their most recent balance sheet shows €577m income forecast for this season with €48m in profit expected. Their cash balance stands at €174m, an €18m increase on the year before, and Real reckon they can easily meet their current payment commitments.

The club disclosed they spent €191m on the acquisition of player rights during the summer that Gareth Bale arrived with €102m banked on transfer income. No club can come close to matching Real's ability to self-finance transfer deals either in terms of player sales or the exploitation of image rights. That will continue this summer with Pogba, Marco Reus and Sergio Aguero all linked with Madrid.

Their transfer destiny looks currently brighter than Barcelona's. A Fifa-imposed worldwide transfer ban kicked in in January which means Barcelona are barred from registering any players until January 2016. They can line up deals but cannot complete them. They embarked on a €180m-plus spree last summer, adding Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Jeremy Mathieu among others, and so no money is in the budget for signings this year.

"It’s truly impossible to continue with FFP next year. Really, it’s not fair,” was Nasser Al-Khelaifi's assessment of Paris St-Germain's current transfer predicament. The PSG chairman was making reference to the current Uefa restrictions on his side which have, like at Man City, put a temporary curb on their dash for the top.

They may well have secured a third consecutive league title in France but they have been unable to make it past the Champions League quarter finals. That is despite having the highest payroll in sports at €6.3m per week. PSG simply cannot match the broadcast revenues of the English sides and are hugely reliant on their commercial deals such as their partnership with the Qatar Tourism Authority which drew the ire of Uefa. As such, PSG paid the same penalties as City last season with a €60m fine, a €60m transfer restriction and a limit on wage spending and Champions League squad numbers. PSG must now sell to buy but that is easier said than done.

Yohan Cabaye, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gregory van der Wiel might be surplus to requirements but their contracts are immense. The Parisians have already done a deal for Serge Aurier meaning they are €14.3m in the hole before spending season has even begun. RMC says PSG can spend as much as they like, so long as the books are balanced, while other French reports suggest that Al-Khelaifi is ready to blow whatever budget he has this summer on Angel di Maria.

Bayern, meanwhile, are in total control. Their only spending restrictions might be that they don't actually want to sign anyone. Again, Di Maria has been linked but it will probably be gradual tweaks rather than drastic overhauls at the Allianz Arena. "We could pay €100m for one player," Bayern's executive board member Jan-Christian Dreesen told Kicker earlier in the season. Coach Pep Guardiola has not been turned down once for a player he liked since arriving at Bayern with Mario Gotze, Thiago Alcantara and Mehdi Benatia just a selection of those added at considerable expense by the Spaniard.

English dominance on the balance sheet has not recently been matched on the competitive field of play. No English team, for the second time in three seasons, qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals. Instead, elite sides from around the continent again took their place in the latter rounds. That seems to be the chief reason why top talents continue to shun English clubs for the continent with England's Player of the Year also departing for la Liga twice in consecutive seasons in Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez.

Hazard is unlikely to follow suit, even if Aguero does feel the call of Madrid. But a look at the wider financial landscape suggests that in general the flow of talent will be going into - not coming out of - England this summer.

Saul: Aguero should join Real Madrid if that's what he wants.

EXCLUSIVE: The young midfielder would not mind if the former Atletico Madrid man signs for his side's arch-rivals.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez says he wouldn't mind if the club's former talisman Sergio Aguero were to leave Manchester City for Real Madrid.
Madrid were keen to sign the Argentina international during his time at Atletico between 2006 and 2011, but the Vicente Calderon side refused to sell their star player to their arch-rivals.
He ultimately joined City instead, but a number of reports have now suggested Madrid are back in for Aguero, though Saul wouldn't have any issue with the striker moving to the Bernabeu.
"Aguero to Madrid? I don't mind if he were to join Madrid now," Saul told Goal.
The midfielder, 21, then went on to voice his delight with Atletico's development under Diego Simeone in recent years, having won La Liga in 2013/14 and finished third this time around.
"What Atletico have achieved is simply incredible. Not too long ago, Atletico were still playing in the second tier.
"The club is healthy again now, growing on the pitch and Europe fears us because of our playing style and attitude.
"We have had a great season and the team deserves a 10 for its performances."
The Spain Under-21 international also briefly discussed his future and says he has no interest in leaving the club after breaking into the first team this season.
"I will stay at Atletico, there is no doubt about that.
"I just signed a new deal with Atleti. I have always wanted to be at this club."
Saul signed a long-term five-year deal in May which ties him to the club until the summer of 2020.

Moyes: I was desperate to sign Bale for Manchester United.

The 25-year-old has faced strong criticism over his performances this season but David Moyes is backing the winger to become a success next term.

David Moyes admits he was “desperate” to make Gareth Bale his marquee signing during his time at Manchester United.

United were in the running to sign the 25-year-old from Tottenham before he opted to join Real Madrid for a world-record €100 million fee.

“Gareth Bale is an outstanding player,” Moyes told Sky Sports.

“I was desperate to take him to Manchester United from Tottenham, but couldn’t quite get him. He had his heart set on going to Real Madrid.

“He was very much on my radar as soon as I went to United.

"He can score goals, can make goals, he’s got speed, he’s physically capable, and I think next year he will be a big star in Madrid."

Bale has faced criticism over his performances this season, despite enjoying a fine debut campaign that saw him score in the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals.

The winger has been booed by his own fans and looked bereft of confidence as Madrid exited Europe at the hands of Juventus in the semi-finals, but Moyes has backed him to be a success.

“It is down to settling in. David de Gea took time to settle at Manchester United, it is not easy,” said the Scot, who is currently managing Real Sociedad.

“We have to give him time, Bale is no different to anyone else.

“As a British player playing abroad, you have to get involved, immerse yourself in the culture. You have to get used to the living times, the eating habits.

“He is at a great club that will give him opportunity to succeed and I think he will.

Harambee Stars move training to City Stadium.

National team Harambee Stars have moved their training to City Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Peace Cup in Rwanda and continental qualifiers.

National team Harambee Stars have moved their training to City Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Peace Cup in Rwanda.

The team started training at the dilapidated Hope Center on Wednesday but had to be moved a day later following complaints from players and members of the technical bench.

The national team has not been able to train at their traditional grounds-Kasarani which is closed for a private function. Coach Bobby Williamson has to work with less than half the number of players he called up as the Kenyan Premier League is still in session.

On Wednesday, only 13 players turned up for training on the first day and the number was expected to go up. Apart from the Peace Cup, the team will also take part in the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) Cup qualifier against Ethiopia and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.

Kenya drops six places in Fifa rankings

Harambee Stars, who are yet to feature in any international match for past three months, have found themselves dropping to position 123 from 117.

Kenya has gone down six places in latest Fifa rankings released on Thursday.
Harambee Stars, who are yet to feature in any international match for past three months, have found themselves dropping to position 123 from 117.
Kenya have moved to camp to prepare for Peace Cup tournament to be held in Rwanda and will also take part in Africa Nations Championships (Chan) Cup qualifier against Ethiopia and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
The team started training at the dilapidated Hope Center on Wednesday but had to be moved to City Stadium a day later following complaints from players and members of the technical bench. The national team has not been able to train at their traditional ground - Kasarani which is closed for a private function.
Coach Bobby Williamson has to work with less than half the number of players he called up as the Kenyan Premier League is still in session. Uganda is the best placed team in the region while Rwanda are in second. In Africa, Algeria maintains top position followed by Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal.
In terms of the top teams, Belgium have moved up to second, their highest ever position at the expense of Argentina, while France have jumped back into the top 10. Germany retain their position as the top ranked nation in the world, with little movement in the top 20 as none of those countries played in the last month.

Juventus defender Chiellini ruled out of Champions League final.

The Turin side have confirmed that their star defender will miss Saturday's showpiece against Barcelona after suffering a first degree tear to his left calf.

Juventus have received a big blow ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona after confirming that Giorgio Chiellini will miss the game due to injury.
The influential defender pulled up in training on Wednesday with a calf problem and underwent a scan on Thursday.
The results have revealed that Chiellini will not recover in time to play in Berlin.
“Giorgio Chiellini was subjected to tests following calf discomfort in yesterday’s session,” the club announced in a statement.
“The tests showed a first-degree lesion of the soleus muscle in his left leg, so the defender will not be available for the match against Barcelona.”
The loss of Chiellini is a big setback for Juve, who are already without Martin Caceres and are struggling to get Andrea Barzagli fit for the showpiece.
Barzagli returned to training on Wednesday but is not 100 per cent fit and the Turin side will decide whether to play the 34-year-old in Chiellini's place, or instead opt for Angelo Ogbonna.

Pedro agrees Barcelona extension until 2019.

The Spain international has ended all speculation about his future by agreeing a new deal that will keep him at the Camp Nou side until 2019.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Pedro Rodriguez over a new contract that will run until 2019 and boast a release clause of €150 million.
The 27-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in June 2016 and he recently admitted that he was considering his options due to his lack of regular playing time.
However, Pedro has decided to commit his future to Barcelona after all and will ink a three-year extension in the coming days.
The Spain international came through the ranks of the Barca youth academy and has made over 300 appearances for the Catalans since making his first-team debut in 2008-09.
Pedro has won five Liga titles with Barcelona so far, while also lifting the Champions League and Club World Cup twice each, as well as emerging victorious in the Copa del Rey on three occasions.
The winger has netted 11 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions so far in 2014-15, but made it into Luis Enrique's starting XI only 22 games.

Kenya Player of the Week: Ali Abondo- Gor Mahia

 

 

The former Tusker striker continued with his fine form since rejoining K’Ogalo by scoring a brilliant free-kick against Thika United on Monday.

Kenya Player of the Week

Ali Abondo   AGE 25 POSITION Midfielder TEAM Gor Mahia WEEK IN NUMBERS APPS (GOALS SCORED) (9)14 TIME ON PITCH 1260 PREVIOUS WINS 11

Thika United

0-2

Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia midfielder Ali Abondo could not have imagined he would be in this form when he left Tusker to return 'home' at the start of this season. With the first leg of the league almost at half term, Abondo has achieved beyond his wildest dreams. For his performance on the pitch, he has already been named player of the month for March and also won the same award as voted by fans for the month of April. With nine goals to his credit, he is in line to emerge the top scorer as well as the best player especially if as it looks Gor Mahia retain the league title for third year in a row. His latest achievement for K'Ogalo comes after an outstanding performance against Thika United on Monday capped with a brilliant free-kick that took his tally to nine.

Congratulations to Ali Abondo Goal.com's 48th Kenya Player of the Week winner!

Honourable Mention

Jesse Were -  Tusker Were has rather been quite but exploded on Saturday when Tusker bounced back to winning ways with a deserved 2-0 win over struggling Sony Sugar. Were's second goal was impressive and it showed his talent as a goal poacher and one with an eye for goal. The Tusker forward displaced Sony Sugar goalkeeper to the ball to score in a move that could only have been executed by a daring forward. That goal means Were remains among the top scorers in the league which has one round to go before taking a break.
Levi Opiyo - Thika United The Thika United goalkeeper may have conceded two goals against Gor Mahia on Monday but his performance was outstanding none the less. With Gor Mahia dominating play in both halves of the match, Opiyo worked hard to deny the league champions more goals. He was particularly very impressive in the second half where Gor Mahia went all out for more goals but they could only hit the back of the net once as Opiyo denied them chance after chance.
Paul Kiongera - KCB It is not doubt that KCB coach Rishadi Shedu is regretting the expected departure of Kiongera. The former Gor Mahia forward is returning to Tanzanian giants Simba on June 15 after his loan move to the bankers expires. But at the short time he has been at KCB, he has made all the difference with crucial goals. He scored a stunning goal against Muhoroni Youth in a match the bankers won 3-0 on Saturday at Kasarani. "He is a great player whom we will greatly miss. He has not fully recovered yet but he still gives us 100 percent.”