YANGA 2 -1 KAGERA SUGAR

Young Africans imeendeleza wimbi la ushindi na kuvunjwa mwiko katika michezo ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom nchini baada ya kuichpaa timu ya Kagera Sugar mabao 2-1 mchezo uliofanyika dimba la Uwanja wa Kaitaba mjini Bukoba.

Kikosi cha Young Africans leo kiliingia uwanjani kwa lengo la kusaka ushindi kwani ilikuwa na kumbukumbu ya kupoteza michezo miwili mfululizo ya Ligi Kuu katika uwanja huu wa Kaitaba.

Mrisho Ngassa alikuwa wa kwanz kuipatia timu yake ya Yanga bao la kwanza dakika ya pili ya mchezo kwa kichwa akimalizia mpira uliorushwa na Mbuyu Twite na kuwapita walinzi na mlinda mlango wa Kagera Sugar na kumkuta mfungaji aliyeukwamisha wavuni bila ajizi.

Yanga iliendelea kulishambulia lango la Kagera Sugar kupitia kwa washambuliaji wake Didider Kavumbagu, Mrisho Ngassa na Hamis Kiiza na dakika ya 25 nusura Niyonzima aipatie Yanga bao lakini shuti  lake liliokoloewa na mlinda mlango Aganthony Antony na kuwa kona ambayo haikuzaa matunda.

Mpaka dakika 45 za kipindi cha kwanza zinamalizika, wenyeji Kagera Sugar 0 - 2 Young Africans.

Kipindi cha pili kilianza kwa kasi na dakika ya 47 ya mchezo kiungo Boniface Wambura aliipatia Kagera Sugar bao la kusawazisha baada ya mpira uliopigwa na Themi Felix kuokolewa na walinzi wa Yanga na kumkuta mfungaji.

Mara baada ya bao hilo Yanga iliendelea kulishambulia lango la Kagera Sugar kusaka bao la pili na ushindi huku waamuzi wakishindwa kutoa maamuzi mazuri kwani mipira yote kipindi cha pili washambuliaji wa Yanga walionekana wameotea hata kama ni katikati ya uwanja.

Dakika ya 57 Hamis Kiiza aliipatia Young Africans bao la pili na la ushindi baada ya mpira uliopigwa na Mbuyu Twite kuwapita walinzi wa Kagera na kumkuta Kiiza aliyewazidi wepesi na kuachia shuti kali lililotinga moja kwa moja wavuni.

Yanga iliendelea kusaka bao la tatu lakini walinzi wa Kagera Sugar waliokoa mipira ya hatari na kufanya ubao wa matokeo uendelee kusomeka hivyo hivyo.

Mpaka dakika 90 za mchezo zinamalizika, wenyeji Kagera Sugar 1 - 2 Young Africans

Kikosi cha Young Africans mara baada ya mchezo wa leo, kesho kitaondoka mjinii Bukoba kurejea jijini Dar es salaam tayari kwa kuanza maandalizi ya mchezo unaofuata dhidi ya Simba SC tarehe 20-10.2013 uwanja wa Taifa.

Young Africans: 1.Barthez, 2.Twite, 3.Luhende, 4.Cannavaro, 5.Yondani, 6.Chuji, 7.Niyonzima/Msuva, 8.Domayo, 9.Kavumbagu, 10.Ngassa, 11.Kiiza/Javu

Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso win first-leg in Brazil 2014 quilifier

Didier Drogba scored as Côte d'Ivoire overcame Senegal 3-1 in Abidjan Saturday to boost hopes of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

The 35-year-old striker converted a penalty after five minutes at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Lamine Sane conceded an own goal and Salomon Kalou netted soon after half-time.

But Papiss Cisse pulled one goal back six minutes into stoppage time after the ball slipped from the grasp of goalkeeper Boubacar Barry. Turkey-based Drogba put the Ivorians ahead after Cheikhou Kouyate fouled Gervinho, whose cross nine minutes later was turned into his own net by Sane.

Roma wide man Gervinho was also involved in the third goal, sending Kalou through the middle to beat Bouna Coundoul at his near post.

Bance bounces back
Aristide Bance converted a late penalty to give Burkina Faso a 3-2 home win over Algeria Saturday in the first leg of their FIFA World Cup™ play-off.

Algeria host Burkina Faso on November 19 in the return match and the overall winners qualify for Brazil 2014. The home team suffered an early blow when defender Bakary Kone was forced to retire with a thigh injury and Steeve Yago came on.

But as the opening half passed the half hour, 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations star Jonathan Pitroipa began to stamp his authority on a game needing a lift. He won a penalty as the first half drew to a close when Essaid Belkalem from English second-tier club Watford floored him with a wild tackle.

But Adi Mbolhi dived left to make a two-hand save from a hard Bance kick. However, the Burkinabe did take the lead two minutes into stoppage time as Pitroipa met a Jean-Noel Lingani cross and his header landed in the far corner.

Algeria began the second half strongly and were level on 50 minutes when Sofiane Feghouli fired past Daouda Diakite from close range after Islam Slimani set him up. The cagey play of the early stages had given way to more adventurous football from both teams and Burkina Faso and Algeria scored again within five minutes.

Djakaridja Kone put the Stallions ahead once more by powering forward from midfield and firing wide of Mbolhi into the far corner. But a flying Carl Medjani header off a corner gave Diakite no chance and the teams remained level until Bance atoned for his earlier penalty miss.

Ethiopia play Nigeria and Tunisia meet Cameroon Sunday and Ghana face Egypt Tuesday and the five overall winners qualify for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

TAARIFA KUHUSU MRADI WA UWANJA YANGA - JANGWANI CITY

Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wadhamini Francis Kifukwe (katikati) ambaye pia ni mwenyekiti wa mradi wa ujenzi wa uwanja eneo la jangwani akiongea na waandishi wa habari makao makuu ya klabu leo, kushoto ni mzee Jabir Katundu (mwenyekiti wa baraza la wazee) na kulia Lawrence Mwalusako katibu mkuu wa Yanga SC 

 

  

LEO tungependa kupitia kwenu kutoa taarifa kuhusu maendeleo ya mradi wetu wa Uwanja wa kisasa wa mpira katika Jiji la Jangwani kama itakavyojulikana.

Mara ya mwisho tuliongea ama kuonana ilikuwa mwezi wa tatu wakati Ndugu zetu wa BCEG walipokabizi Concept design ama Usanifu wa awali na kuanzia sasa tutakuwa tunatoa taarifa za mara kwa mara kuhusu mradi huu. Wahenga walisema UKICHA KUSEMA HUTATENDA JAMBO lakini pia KUKAA KIMYA SANA kunajenga hisia mbaya na kutoa nafasi ya upotoshwaji wa habari. 

Kwa kifupi napenda kuwakumbusha kuwa Makubalino ya Awali (Memorandum of Understanding) yalisainiwa 23 Novemba 2012. Pamoja na mengineyo YANGA inatakiwa:

• Kupata na kuwa na eneo la kutoshereza malengo ya mradi

• Kupata ushauri mzuri, michoro mizuri na mkandarasi mzuri wa mradi

• Kupata na kutenga fedha za kukamilisha usanifu na ujenzi wa mradi

Kwa upande wa BCEG wajibu wao ni kuwa na utaalamu na uzoefu wa kutosha. BCEG wameandaa na kukabidhi michoro ya usanifu wa awali kukidhi matakwa ya YANGA. YANGA tunatakiwa kutoa maoni yetu na na kuingia RASMI mkataba wa ujenzi.

Kutokana na kukua kwa Jiji la Dar es Salaam, na katika hali ya kutaka klabu iwe na vitega uchumi klabu imeonelea ni vyema kama ingekuwa na uwanja wa mpira wa karne ya sasa na baadaye ambao pamoja na mambo mengine utakuwa na mioundombinu ifuatayo:-

1. Uwanja wa mpira wenye viti 40,000

2. Hostel ya wachezaji na football academy ya vijana

3. Viwanja vya mazoezi

4. Uwanja wa kutosha kuegesha magari

5. Hoteli na sehemu ya makazi

6. Ukumbi wa mikutano

7. Sehemu ya maofisi, benki, zahanati (sports clinic)

8. Maduka, supermarket na sinema

9. Sehemu za kubarizi, kupumzikia (Recretional and Open spaces) 

 

Mara baada ya azma yetu kukamilika eneo hili litaitwa “Jangwani City” na kufanya wakazi wa maeneo ya Jangwani na sehemu za jirani wasiende maeneo ya mbali kutafuta huduma muhimu za kijamii. Eneo hili litaboresha mandhari nzima ya Jangwani kwa kukuza mazingira na miundombinu. Hii itahusu pamoja na mambo mengine ujazaji udongo (tuta kubwa), upandaji miti, bustani za kubarizi, kuboresha mifereji ya majitaka na kudhibiti mafuriko ya eneo la Jangwani na hivyo kulipatia sura ya kibiashara na kitalii.

Ili kukamilisha azma ya kuwa na Jangwani City itakayo kuwa na miundombinu yote hiyo, Uongozi ulipeleka maombi ya eneo la nyongeza Manispaa ya Ilala na Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi kwa barua zenye kumbukumbu namba YASC/ARDHI/MWK/YM/46/2012 na YASC/ARDHI/MWK/YM/47/2012 za 12 Desemba 2012, na mpaka sasa bado maombi yetu hayajajibiwa.

Mwezi wa saba, Wadhamini/Uongozi wa YANGA walimwandikia Mheshimiwa Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam kuomba msaada wake kufanikisha maombi ya nyongeza ya kiwanja yaliyowasilishwa Manispaa ya Ilala na Wizara ya Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi.

Klabu ya Yanga ina kiwanja chenye ukubwa wa hekta 3.59 eneo la Jangwani. Kiwanja hiki kina hati miliki kwa miaka 99 toka mwaka 1972 na katika eneo hilo, klabu ilifanikiwa kujenga uwanja wa mpira wa Kaunda na Jengo la klabu la ghorofa tatu. Jengo hili lilijengwa kwa ufadhili mkubwa sana wa Rais wa Kwanza wa Zanzibar Marehemu Mzee Abeid Amani Karume (Mungu aiweke roho yake mahali pema peponi) na michango ya wanachama na wapenzi wa klabu ambao kila siku wamekuwa wakiamini kuwa haba na haba hujaza kibaba.

Ndugu Wandishi wa habari kwa kifupi tumefikia hapo, zoezi la kutoa maoni yetu kuhusu michoro ya usanifu wa awali na kuingia rasmi mkataba wa ujenzi na BCEG limesimama, likisubiri majibu ya nyongeza la eneo.  Ni matumaini yetu zoezi hili litakamilika hivi karibuni na kuendelea na mradi.

YANGA DAIMA MBELE NYUMA MWIKO

Dar es Salaam, 30 September 2013

Francis Mponjoli Kifukwe

Arsenal's Sagna hails Giroud work ethic

Bacary Sagna hails Olivier Giroud's dedication and commitment, and as Arsenal FC prepare to host SSC Napoli, he puts the striker's fine start to the season down to his work ethic.

Bacary Sagna has praised Olivier Giroud's dedication and commitment, and as Arsenal FC prepare to welcome SSC Napoli on Tuesday, he says the striker's fine start to the season is testimony to the work ethic he has shown.

Team-mates at club and international levels, the French pair have formed a strong bond on and off the pitch. Defender Sagna says it can sometimes be difficult for forwards coming into a new team and adds that he is delighted Giroud has now settled at Arsenal since his move last year from Montpellier Hérault SC.

"He's a very good player, he is very physical, and in front of goal he finishes well," enthused the 30-year-old. "I think he's the top scorer with four [Premier League] goals and he can achieve more, but we need to give him time – I think he will improve even more and score even more.

"As a striker it's always difficult when you come into a new team because you have to get to know your partners. Robin van Persie had just left as the top scorer so everyone was expecting [Olivier] to score straight away, but he took a bit of time to settle in the team."

Giroud has scored five goals this term – including one in the UEFA Champions League play-offs – and his impressive form has helped propel the Gunners to the Premier League summit after six games. Sagna believes that success is largely thanks to the attack, led by Giroud and Aaron Ramsey. "If we see we are on top of the league it's because he made a lot – him and Ramsey and many other players," the full-back said. "He's a very important part of the team."

Since their surprise 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa FC on the first day of the season, Arsène Wenger's men have gone on to win eight of the next nine matches, including their UEFA Champions League Group F opener at Olympique de Marseille. Even the fixture they drew – 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion FC in the League Cup – Arsenal won on penalties.

"We were a bit disappointed because it's always a disappointment to lose the first game, especially at home," Sagna said. "We had a good pre-season so everyone was a bit down. But everyone was confident as well to keep their head up and to keep working hard to win the next game – and that's what we did.

"At the moment the team are very confident, we are very ambitious and we know the best way to win titles is to win game by game. I think we have the ability to do it but we have to stay focused until the end and must keep working hard."

Klopp: 'Revenge in the air' for Dortmund

Jürgen Klopp admits "revenge is in the air" as his Borussia Dortmund side renew acquaintance with an Olympique de Marseille team who beat them home and away in 2011.

Jürgen Klopp admits that "revenge is in the air" as his Borussia Dortmund side renew acquaintance with Group F rivals Olympique de Marseille. While Klopp, who serves a touchline ban, believes the visitors will face a more mature Dortmund team than the one they beat twice in 2011/12, OM coach Élie Baup is banking on a good mix of youth and experience to help the Ligue 1 outfit get off the mark.

Dortmund
Jürgen Klopp, coach
For one match [the suspension] is not a problem. Even though Mats [Hummels] said today that he doesn't care if I am seated in row 1 or 16, you do have the possibility to influence the game from the touchline. It is much more problematic that I cannot be in the dressing room before the match and at half-time. Željko Buvač [Klopp's assistant and in charge tomorrow] is the best coach I know. He just doesn't like the show that comes with football. That's what I am for.

I have already told a colleague today that you cannot buy experience. You have to earn it and we've earned ours. Two years ago we played good football and lost by a surprisingly big margin, especially in Marseille and then we lost here as well. We have a little bit of a feeling that revenge is in the air. Not a lot, but a little bit.

The [2-1] defeat in Napoli does not change a lot. We have plenty of opportunities to recover the points we lost in Naples. It doesn't change anything for this match. Tomorrow's winner has a foot in the door. We're at home so we're under a bit more pressure than Marseille, but that's normal.

They've started really well in the French league. We still know some of their players from two years ago. They play really well, with lots of pace and good transitions. They are strong in attack was well as in defence. But the good news is we are not so bad either and have ways of giving other teams problems. Two years ago, we maybe played a bit naive, but that's understandable. I'd like to think that we have become more mature and am quite optimistic about that.

Weekend result
Friday: Dortmund 5-0 SC Freiburg (Reus 35 45+2pen, Lewandowski 58 70, Błaszczykowski 79)
Weidenfeller; Grosskreutz, Subotić, Hummels, Durm; Şahin, S Bender (Kirch 46); Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan (Hofmann 61), Reus (Błaszczykowski 62); Lewandowski.

• BVB made it seven straight home wins against Freiburg, Robert Lewandowski taking his tally to ten goals in seven meetings with their visitors. Dortmund have broken the deadlock in each of their last 15 league outings, a club record.

Team news
Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller is suspended after his red card in the loss at Napoli, as is coach Klopp. Marcel Schmelzer has been ruled out through injury but Sven Bender is available.

Marseille

Élie Baup, coach
We have potential in our team which we should be able to call upon. We should not think too much about how the game might develop but try to make the best of it. In this competition, you can learn a lot. As we all know, there are six group matches. We played the first of those, performed quite well, but unfortunately did not get a result. Tomorrow it continues and we have to enjoy playing in the Champions League.

The experience of our veterans helps in such a competition. But we also profit from the craziness and the enthusiasm of the young players. We have a good mixture of young and experienced players. Since the beginning of the season, we have played 20 players and in this time their level has become very equal – physically as well. We now have to do some slight adjustments, see who fits best with who and so on.

[Dortmund] play very attacking football with great pressing and counter-pressing. In that area, we can learn a bit from them. We have tried to improve our ball-winning skills and becoming more precise in our finishing.

Weekend result
Saturday: FC Lorient 0-2 Marseille (Valbuena 58, A Ayew 90+1)
Mandanda; Fanni, Nkoulou, Lucas Mendes, Mendy; Romao, Imbula; Payet, Valbuena (Cheyrou 76), A Ayew; J Ayew (Khalifa 59).

• Mathieu Valbuena and André Ayew ensured OM kept pace with Paris Saint-Germain FC and AS Monaco FC with their first goals of the season.

Team news
André-Pierre Gignac missed Saturday's game with a toe problem and will be absent again in Dortmund along with full-back Jérémy Morel (knee) and Benoît Cheyrou, who has not travelled due to personal reasons.

Match fact
• The teams met in the group stage two years ago when Marseille won 3-0 at home and 3-2 away. At the Stade Vélodrome, in the first competitive fixture between the teams, OM took the points thanks to goals from André Ayew (20, 69 pen) either side of Loïc Rémy's 62nd-minute effort. The hosts had substitute Jordan Ayew sent off late on.

Pellegrini determined to make City a force

Manuel Pellegrini is tasked with working his European magic on Manchester City FC and tells UEFA.com what is needed to go far in the "world's biggest competition".

After specialising in guiding unfancied outfits to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, Manuel Pellegrini has been tasked by Manchester City FC with bringing his magic to the European underachievers.

Manchester City have turned to the Chilean manager who has never failed to advance past the group stage, masterminding Villarreal CF's journey to the last four in 2005/06 and Málaga CF's voyage to the quarter-finals last term. "The most important aspect is to make the players feel they have the capacity and feel the confidence," said the 60-year-old of his successful methods.

However, the job is vastly different at City than at those two Spanish clubs, with expectations sky-high following heavy investment in the squad. "It is different. It is clear that the responsibility at Manchester City, with the squad that was put together and the investments by the club, is to reach a higher level in the Champions League."

An opening 3-0 Group D win at FC Viktoria Plzeň showed that the values the manager is instilling in the squad are bearing fruit. "You need spirit, you need commitment, you need conviction, and a winning mentality. I think this is fundamental if you want to reach the next round," he said, of a tournament he holds in the highest regard. "It is the most important competition in the world. The best teams in the world participate in it; the stadiums are always full. It is difficult to find any flaw."

Mancini takes charge at Galatasaray

Galatasaray AŞ have named Roberto Mancini as their new head coach with the former FC Internazionale Milano and Manchester City FC manager signing a three-year deal in Istanbul.

Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new Galatasaray AŞ coach ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Juventus on Wednesday, the Italian agreeing a three-year contract with the Turkish champions.
The former Manchester City FC manager steps into the role vacated by Fatih Terim, who left the club on 24 September after failing to sign a new two-year deal. "I am very happy to arrive at a big club like Galatasaray," said Mancini. "I decided to join a great community. The Galatasaray v Juventus match will be a happy coincidence for me."
It is the second time that Mancini, who left City after last season's second-placed Premier League finish, has stepped into the shoes of Terim having previously replaced the Turkish coach at the ACF Fiorentina helm in 2001.
Capped 36 times by Italy, Mancini won Serie A and the European Cup Winners' Cup with both UC Sampdoria and SS Lazio as a player before starting his coaching career with the latter club as assistant to Sven-Göran Eriksson.
Mancini had his first head coach role at Fiorentina where he won the Coppa Italia and he repeated that success at Lazio before helping FC Internazionale Milano to three successive league titles, the last of them in 2007/08. Appointed at City in December 2009, he ended a trophy drought of over three decades when guiding them to the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title in 2012.

Guardiola and Pellegrini prepare to meet again

Manuel Pellegrini and Josep Guardiola meet for the first time as Manchester City FC manager and FC Bayern München coach in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Group D fixture in north-west England.
However, there is previous between the pair whose past encounters have been played out within the confines of the Spanish game – with Guardiola, as FC Barcelona boss, showing good form against the Villarreal CF, Real Madrid CF and Málaga CF sides mentored by Pellegrini.

2008/09
Villarreal CF 1-2 FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona 3-3 Villarreal CF
Pellegrini was beginning his fifth and last campaign in charge of the Yellow Submarine when coaching novice Guardiola was promoted to the Barça helm. Only four months into his reign, however, 'Pep' was already demonstrating that a special alliance had formed at the Catalan club who would become the first Spanish team to win a Liga, UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey treble that season.
Thierry Henry's winner in the 2-1 victory at Villarreal that December meant the Blaugrana were winter champions – "but nobody is giving us a trophy for that," Guardiola said. His Chilean counterpart would later gain a modicum of revenge, with Joseba Llorente's stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou denying the eventual champions a title triumph on home turf.

2009/10
FC Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid CF
Real Madrid CF 0-2 FC Barcelona
On their way to claiming the 2009 championship, Barcelona had humiliated Madrid with a 6-2 win at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Merengues promptly charged Pellegrini with orchestrating a side to challenge world football's new superpower. A point above their rivals in the standings prior to the season's first Clásico, Madrid's carefully crafted tactical plan choked the hosts' creative drive while producing a couple of clear openings. That was until substitute Zlatan Ibrahimović's thumping volley and Sergio Busquets' sending-off galvanised Barça who held onto their lead.
Neck and neck at the top of the table when the teams next met in April, a dominant 2-0 Azulgrana victory proved crucial to Barcelona landing a second successive title by three points. Pellegrini, meanwhile, parted company with Madrid.

2010/11
FC Barcelona 4-1 Málaga CF
Málaga CF 1-3 FC Barcelona
Brought in by Málaga in November 2010, Pellegrini started to shape a side that would go on to charm football watchers in Spain and beyond. That would come later, however. A 4-1 defeat at Camp Nou in January had the South American stating there was "a big difference between Barça and the rest". His counterpart insisted his troops were "not playing tiki-taka", adding: "I don't like that expression, it makes it sound like we are disrespecting our opponents." A record 14th Liga away success for a Barcelona outfit already assured of the title on the last day of term served as a dress-rehearsal for a UEFA Champions League final triumph over Manchester United FC.

2011/12
Málaga CF 1-4 FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona 4-1 Málaga CF
His team trailing eventual title winners Madrid – now under the tutelage of José Mourinho – Guardiola's Barcelona overcame Málaga thanks in large part to a Lionel Messi hat-trick. "I couldn't understand how, without doing all that much, Barcelona were 3-0 up after 50 minutes," a frustrated Pellegrini said afterwards. "Messi's whole life is a football pitch," observed Guardiola, who saw the Argentina ace register another treble in the return fixture against a Málaga ensemble that finished fourth.
With Guardiola's departure from Barça long-since announced, Pellegrini paid tribute to his rival after their last Liga meeting. "His behaviour in the world of football has been incredible – not only because of the titles won, but also for the way he has conducted himself."

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Barcelona deprived of Messi for Celtic trip

FC Barcelona have been deprived of Lionel Messi for the trip to Celtic FC on Tuesday after confirming the forward will be out for "between two and three weeks".

The 26-year-old, who hit a hat-trick in the matchday one victory against AFC Ajax, departed 29 minutes into Saturday's 2-0 Liga win at UD Almería with a thigh injury after opening the scoring. "Tests carried out by the club's medical services have confirmed the initial diagnosis that Leo Messi has suffered a slight thigh injury in his right leg," a Barcelona statement read.

Messi, second only to Raúl González in the all-time UEFA Champions League scoring records, has struck 11 times in seven games this season and will target a return in the Liga game at CA Osasuna on 19 October.

Samuel Eto'o in Cameroon squad despite retirement reports

Samuel Eto'o has been called up to the Cameroon squad for their World Cup qualifying play-off game against Tunisia, despite reports last month that he had retired from international football.

Chelsea striker Eto'o reportedly declared his intention not to play for Cameroon to his team-mates after their World Cup qualifier against Libya.

The Cameroon coach Volker Finke did not confirm the reports, saying Eto'o was the right person to make known his decision.

Now, Finke appears to be offering Eto'o a way back into the Indomitable Lions fold after naming him in the 25-man squad for the October fixture, even though it is not clear whether Eto'o will accept the invitation.

There are pressures from different quarters for Eto'o to change his mind and take the team to the World Cup, even if he wants to retire after the play-offs.

Some Cameroon officials have written to Eto'o to ask him to reconsider his decision, as have the National Union of Cameroon Footballers.

Cameroon legend Roger Milla, now a roving ambassador for the national federation, has even offered his help in trying to convince the four-time African Player of the Year to return.

Cameroon are away to Tunisia on 11 October in the first leg of their play-off tie. The home leg is on 15 November, with the winners securing a place at the World Cup in Brazil.

Malaga's Fabrice Olinga and Lyon's Henri Bedimo are also in the squad, despite missing the Libya fixture.

Edgar Salli of Lens is selected in the squad for the first time since Finke became coach.

There is no room for Benoit Assou-Ekotto, on loan at Queens Park Rangers from Tottenham, or for Benoit Angbwa, who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala.

Other high-profile players such as Barcelona's Jean Marie Dongou and Mohamadou Idrissou of Kaiserslautern are on the reserve list. 

Cameroon squad:

Goalkeepers: Idriss Carlos Kameni (Malaga, Spain), Charles Itandje (Konyaspor, Turkey), Sammy Ndjock (Fethiyespor, Turkey)

Defenders: Allan Nyom (Grenada, Spain), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray, Turkey), Dany Nounkeu (Galatasaray, Turkey), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille, France), Gaetan Bong (Olympiakos, Greece), Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik (Rennes, France), Henri Bedimo (Lyon, France)

Midfielders: Stephan Mbia (Queens Park Rangers, England), Eyong Enoh (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Jean II Makoun (Rennes, France), Joel Matip (Schalke 04, Germany), Raoul Cedric Loe (Osasuna, Spain), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux, France), Alex Song (Barcelona, Spain). Edgar Salli (Lens, France)

Forwards: Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea, England), Achille Webo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Aboubakar Oumarou (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium), Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting (Mainz, Germany), Jacques Zoua (Hamburg, Germany), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy, France), Fabrice Olinga (Malaga, Spain)

Standby: Jean-Marie Dongou (Barcelona, Spain), Roland Ndy Assembe (Guingamp, France), Frank Bagnack (Barcelona, Spain), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient, France). Mohamadou Idrissou (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham are title contenders

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham are a "big contender" for the Premier League title, claiming they are one of six possible champions.

The Portuguese, 50, insists the title race is more open than during his first spell as Blues boss between 2004-2007.

"Tottenham are a big contender. They have bought players with quality," he said ahead of Saturday's trip to Spurs.

"Six teams are competing for the position. Any one of the six teams can be first, any one can be sixth."

Mourinho joined Chelsea in June 2004 and led them to two Premier League titles in his first two seasons, with Manchester United lifting the trophy in his final season at Stamford Bridge.

 

 

Chelsea and Manchester United were the only Premier League winners between 2005-2011, before Manchester City broke their dominance in 2012.

Mourinho's side go into Saturday's match fourth in the table, two points behind second-placed Tottenham.

"In my first time it was a clear race between Chelsea and Manchester United, two fantastic teams who were probably better than any team at this moment," he said.

"Finally, Man City broke that period of blue and red dominance. At the moment the situation is different.

"At this moment six teams are competing for the position, that is the beauty of the league. It is better like this."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also said six teams are challenging for the Premier League title, claiming Liverpool and Tottenham have joined Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea as realistic contenders.

YANGA KUWAVAA RUVU SHOOTING LEO

Young Africans leo itashuka dimbani kucheza na timu ya Ruvu Shooting kutoka Mlandizi mkoani Pwani katika Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es salaam ikiwa ni sehemu ya muendelezo ya michezo ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom Tanzania 2013/2014.

Mabingwa watetezi Yanga ina pointi 6 baada ya kucheza michezo mitano kushinda mmoja, kutoka sare michezo mitatu na kupoteza mchezo mmoja itakutana na Ruvu Shooting ambayo imejikusanyia pointi 9 baada ya kushinda michezo mitatu na kupoteza michezo miwili.

Young Africans ambayo leo itashuka dimbani kuhakikisha inasaka pointi 3 muhimu ili kuweza kujiweka katika nafasi nzuri ya kuweza kutetea ubingwa wake, jana iliendelea na mazoezi katika viwanja vya shule ya Sekondari Loyola -Mabibo jijini Dar es salaam.

Wachezaji wote waliingia kambini katika hosteli zilizopo makao makuu ya klabu kujiandaa na mchezo huo wa leo ambao ni muhimu kwa watoto wa Jangwani kuhakikisha wanapata ushindi.

Kocha wa Yanga mholanzi Ernie Brandts amesema kikosi chake kimekamilika katika kila idara kuelekea kwenye mchezo wa leo na kusema ameyafanyia marekebisho makosa yaliyojitokeza katika michezo iliyopita.

Wapenzi, wanachama na washabiki wa Young Africans mnaombwa kujitokeza kwa wingi uwanja wa Taifa kuja kuwashangilia vijana watakapokua wanapambana na timu ya maafande wa Ruvu Shooting.

NGASSA ALIPA TFF MIL 45 ZA SIMBA

Mrisho Ngassa (katikati) akionyesha risti ya malipo aliyopewa TFF baada ya kulipa deni la mil 45, kushoto kwake ni mhasibu wa Yanga, Rose Msamila na kulia ni Afisa Habari wa Yanga Baraka Kizuguto

Kiungo mshambuliaji wa timu ya Young Africans Mrisho Khlafani Ngassa leo amelipa jumla ya mil 45, deni la mil 30 pamoja na faini ya mil 15 za klabu ya Simba SC kwa Shirikisho la Soka nchini TFF ili aweze kuitumikia timu yake kuanzia kesho.

Ngassa ambaye aliambatana na viongozi wa klabu ya Yanga mjumbe wa sekretariat Partick Naggi, Afisa Habari Baraka Kizuguto na mhasibu Rose Msamila alikabidhi hundi za malipo kwa idara ya fedha ya shirikisho hilo.

Mara baada ya kukabidhi hundi hiyo Ngassa aliongea na waandishi wa habari nje ya ofisi za TFF na kusema ameamua kulilipa deni hilo ili aweze kuitumikia klabu yake, kwani kukosa michezo sita kumemnyima fursa ya kuisaidia timu yake.

Naomba mnielewe hizi fedha nimezitoa mimi mwenyewe kwenye akiba yangu iliyopo bank, hivyo kama kuna mtu yoyote ataguswa na hili suala anaweza kuwasiliana na mimi katika kujaribu kunichangia juu ya hili.

Aidha Ngasaa amesema kwa sasa akili yake yote ipo kwenye michezo ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom na lengo lake ni kuhakikisha anaisadia timu yake kufanya vizuri n akupata ushindi katika kila mchezo watakaocheza.

Kocha Ernie Brandts kwa sasa ana fursa ya kumtumia mchezaji Mrisho Ngasa kwa kuanzia kwa mchezo wa kesho kutokana na kuwa amekamilisha kila kitu.

Naye Afisa Habari wa Yanga Baraka Kizuguto amewaomba wapenzi, washabiki na wanachama kujitokeza kwa wingi kesho uwanja wa Taifa kuja kuishangilia timu yao itakapokua ikicheza na maafande wa Ruvu Shooting.

Young Africans itacheza na Ruvu Shooting katika uwanja wa Taifa majira ya saa 10:00 kwa saa za Afrika Mashariki.

Bayern and United progress, holders Swansea out

FC Bayern München and FC Schalke 04 reached the last 16 of the German Cup, while English League Cup holders Swansea City AFC bowed out on a night when Manchester United FC won.

German Cup

Holders FC Bayern München marched into the last 16 of the German Cup with a 4-1 home success against Hannover 96. Thomas Müller drove in the opener in the 17th minute before Claudio Pizarro doubled the advantage shortly after with a powerful header. Fourth in the Bundesliga, Hannover fought back and Didier Ya Konan reduced the deficit on the counterattack before the break, but Müller restored the lead and Franck Ribéry added a fourth to ensure Bayern's quest for a 17th cup success continues.

FC Schalke 04 were given a test by third-tier SV Darmstadt 98 but prevailed 3-1, while second-tier 1. FC Kaiserslautern eliminated top-flight Hertha BSC Berlin with a 3-1 win. Eintracht Frankfurt avoided a similar fate with a 2-0 victory against VfL Bochum 1848 and Matthias Ginter and Mike Hanke struck for SC Freiburg in a 2-1 win against VfB Stuttgart 2-1.

English League Cup

Manchester United FC responded to their weekend derby defeat against Manchester City FC by sinking rivals Liverpool FC to make the last 16 of the English League Cup, while holders Swansea City FC were knocked out in emphatic style by Birmingham City FC. A solitary Javier Hernández strike just after the restart was enough to earn victory for the Red Devils, who will face Norwich City FC in the next round. They will be joined by fellow UEFA Champions League contenders Arsenal FC after their penalty shoot-out win atWest Bromwich Albion FC set up a home tie with Chelsea FC. 

Swansea City's reign came to an abrupt end in the midlands as second-half goals from Dan Burn, Matt Green and Tom Adeyemi earned Birmingham a 3-1 win. Newcastle United FC saw off Leeds United AFC 2-0, while Stoke City FC earned a 2-0 win at Tranmere Rovers FC.

Arsenal booked a League Cup fourth-round

Arsenal booked a League Cup fourth-round tie against London rivals Chelsea by holding their nerve in a penalty shoot-out at West Brom.

Misses from Craig Dawson and Morgan Amalfitano swung the tie Arsenal's way with full-back Nacho Monreal converting the decisive kick.

The Gunners' Thomas Eisfeld had applied a cool finish to Nicklas Bendtner's pass to score after a dour first half.

But the lead was short-lived with Saido Berahino nodding in Steven Reid's ball.

West Brom had came close to a decisive goal in extra-time but Amalfitano hit the bar and saw an effort cleared off the line as he came within inches of saving himself from the spot-kick pain to come.

League Cup fourth-round draw

Sunderland v Southampton
Leicester City v Fulham
Birmingham City v Stoke City
Manchester United v Norwich City
Burnley v West Ham United
Arsenal v Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City
Newcastle United v Manchester City
All ties are scheduled to take place in the week commencing 28 October
 

Instead it will be this new generation of Arsenal youngsters who take on Chelsea on 28 October and bring Gunners boss Arsene Wenger back into opposition with Blues manager Jose Mourinho for the first time since the Portuguese's return to England from Real Madrid.

Wenger and Baggies counterpart Steve Clarke both named much-changed sides from their weekend Premier League games, with Arsenal giving Mikel Arteta and Bendtner starts alongside less experienced team-mates, and a disjointed first half followed.

Reid's cleanly struck free-kick demanded a stretching stop from Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in a rare moment of excitement, but the second 45 minutes proved far livelier.

West Brom appeared to be gaining the upper hand with Shane Long and Berahino threatening, before Arsenal halted their momentum with a slick opener.

Bendtner's precise pass pulled apart the hosts' defence and full debutant Eisfeld showed steady nerves to send goalkeeper Luke Daniels the wrong way and find the net.

West Brom restored some justice to the scoreline within 10 minutes.

Berahino, who scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Newport County, found a pocket of space in the much taller Arsenal defence to head home.

The England Under-21 striker fired over the top before the game headed to extra-time and, despite an entertaining half hour in which Arsenal debutant Hector Bellerin almost scored a memorable winner and Amalfitano went close, the sides could not be separated and had to decide the game from 12 yards.

Serge Gnabry's tentative effort on Arsenal's second penalty was smothered by Daniels but, after confident conversions from Reid and Morrison, Dawson and Amalfitano's misses gave Monreal the chance to stroke home the decisive kick and spark gleeful celebrations. 

www.bbc.co.uk

YANGA YAJIANDAA KUIKABILI RUVU SHOOTING

Young Africans imeendelea na mazoezi leo katika uwanja wa shule ya sekondari Loyola-Mabibo kujiandaa na mchezo wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom siku ya jumaosi dhidi ya maafande wa Ruvu Shooting katika uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es salaam.

Mchezo wa jumamosi ni muhimu kwa timu ya Young Africans kupata ushindi ili kujiweka katika mazingira mazuri ya kutetea ubingwa wake na kupunguza tofauti ya pointi dhidi ya timu inayoongoza kwa tofauti ya pointi 5.

Kocha Mkuu wa Yanga mholanzi Ernie Brandts ameendelea kuyafanyia marekebisho makosa yaliyojitokeza katika michezo iliyopita kwa lengo la kuhakikisha vijana wake wanakua makini na kuzitumia vizuri nafasi wanazozipata.

Ikiwa imecheza mitano ikishinda mchezo mmoja, sare michezo mitatu na kufungwa mchezo mmoja, Young Africans imefanikiwa kukusanya pointii 6 na kufunga mabao 10 na kufungwa mabao 7.

Kikosi kinatarajiwa kuingia kambini kesho katika hosteli za klabu kujiandaa na mchezo huo wa jumamosi dhidi ya maafande wa Ruvu Shooting.

www.youngafricans.co.tz

City, Chelsea, Spurs stroll in League Cup

Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur breezed into the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday, while Sunderland began life without Paolo Di Canio by beating Peterborough United.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho handed Juan Mata a rare start at third-tier Swindon Town and he created the opening goal in the 29th minute with a shot that was parried by Wes Foderingham for Fernando Torres to tap home.

Ramires doubled the visitors' lead six minutes later, poking the ball over the advancing Foderingham from Torres's astute pass to complete the scoring in a 2-0 victory. Ramires had only come on as a substitute for the injured Marco van Ginkel in the tenth minute but he had to cede his place at half-time, with John Terry coming on.

Fresh from their 4-1 drubbing of derby rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Manchester City enjoyed a similarly straightforward evening with a 5-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic, the side who beat them in last season's FA Cup final.

With Micah Richards back in the team after injury, City took a 33rd-minute lead when Edin Dzeko finished from Fernandinho's through ball. Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic claimed his first goal for the club on the hour before Yaya Toure curled home another fine free-kick - his third of the season - with 14 minutes to play.

Jovetic added a fourth, with Jesus Navas also getting on the score-sheet to record his first goal in his new side's colours.

Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur comfortably won 4-0 at English Premier League rivals Aston Villa, with close-season signings Paulinho and Nacer Chadli also hitting the target.

"We have great strength in depth, we have great team spirit and the players are all buzzing for opportunities like this," said Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas.

In their first game since the dismissal of Di Canio as manager on Sunday, Sunderland beat third-tier Peterborough 2-0 at the Stadium of Light to record only their second win of the season.

Two Di Canio signings settled the game, Emanuele Giaccherini breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute from a Lee Cattermole cross before Valentin Roberge headed in a second mid-way through the second period.

Fulham came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Everton, with strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent scoring second-half goals after Steven Naismith had put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute.

It was Roberto Martinez's first loss as Everton manager.

West Ham United, meanwhile, needed an 88th-minute goal from Ricardo Vaz Te to win 3-2 against Cardiff City, who had hit back to level the scores after conceding two goals in the first eight minutes at Upton Park.

Gary Hooper was one of the stars of the night, scoring his first two Norwich City goals on his full debut in a perilous 3-2 win at second-tier Watford.

A close-season signing from Celtic, the 25-year-old netted a 95th-minute equaliser to force extra time at Vicarage Road before claiming the winner in the 115th minute.

There were also wins for Southampton, Hull City, Burnley and Leicester City.

Ancelotti: Bale will be fit to face Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Gareth Bale will be fit to finally make his home debut for the club in the Madrid derby against Atletico on Saturday.

Bale was due to make his bow at the Santiago Bernabeu in Sunday's 4-1 win over Getafe, but had to withdraw from the match after pulling up with a slight thigh strain in the warm-up. The Welshman, who joined Madrid earlier this month for a reported world record fee, will however not be in Ancelotti's squad to take on Elche on Wednesday evening to make sure he is ready for Real's biggest game of the season so far.

"He began to train individually yesterday and I don't think there will be any problems for the game on Saturday," Ancelotti told a press conference on Tuesday. "He won't be included tomorrow because we have to prepare him well for Saturday. He wasn't happy after the game on Sunday, but his mood has changed quickly because he has begun to think about Saturday's match."

Ancelotti played down suggestions that Bale had been forced into competitive action too soon after joining Madrid having hardly featured in pre-season for Tottenham Hotspur. Bale's last match for Spurs came in a friendly on 17 July and he didn't play another game until after sealing his drawn out move to Madrid when he featured as a second-half substitute in Wales' 3-0 defeat to Serbia on 10 September. 

Quick beginnings
The 24-year-old then scored on his Real debut against Villarreal four days later before playing the final half hour of Los Bancos' 6-1 hammering of Galatasaray last week. "I don't think there has been a rush," said Ancelotti.

"He played for just 60 minutes against Villarreal and 30 against Galatasaray. He didn't have any issues heading into the Getafe game, but then the problem arrived. It is not a serious muscle injury because if it was he wouldn't have been able to train today or play on Saturday. I don't know what happened, but we won't risk him by putting him on the pitch tomorrow."

There is even better news for Ancelotti on the injury front in defence with both Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao fit enough to be included for the match at Elche, whilst Marcelo will also be ready for the clash against Atletico.

However, despite the fact that newly-promoted Elche have failed to win in any of their first five game back in the top-flight, Ancelotti is not expecting an easy ride. "It will not be easy. Every match before the game we have to stay focused and concentrated. We know we have more quality so we have to show the same character and motivation as they will.

"We need to be careful with this match because we have the experience of Villarreal where we played a very difficult match. They are teams playing with a lot of excitement. They won the second division last season and to play against Madrid is a huge thrill for them."

Ibrahimovic extends PSG deal

Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has extended his contract, tying him to the club until 2016.

The Swedish international, whose existing deal was due to expire in the summer of 2015, is now set to stay at the Parc des Princes until near his 35th birthday.

"I don't see a more ambitious club in Europe than Paris Saint-Germain," the former Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan striker said in a statement released by PSG. "My wish is that Paris Saint-Germain is my last big club."

Ibrahimovic scored 30 goals and was named France's player of the year as PSG won the Ligue 1 title last season.

Possession, patience and a parent

In FIFA.com’s latest stats review, a father-and-son duo feature alongside title joy for KR, a thumping win for Inter Milan, a surprise scorer at Stamford Bridge and the end of an era for Barcelona. 

184 English Premier League appearances without a goal was the run that came to a long-awaited end for John Obi Mikel on Saturday in outing number 185. In the history of the Premier League, no outfield player has ever made ever more appearances before scoring their first goal than Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder. It has, though, been a season for previously low-scoring midfielders to find their shooting boots, with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey having already hit the net seven times – a tally accrued from just eight shots on target. One full-back has also been getting in on the act, with Leighton Baines on Saturday curling in two superb free-kicks to inspire Everton’s 3-2 win over West Ham United. The England international thus became one of only three players – the others being Cristiano Ronaldo and Sebastian Larsson – to score twice from a direct set-piece in the Premier League over the past five seasons. 

46 years and seven months was the age at which the Netherlands’ Roel Liefden became the oldest player to participate in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in his team’s opener against Solomon Islands last Thursday, beating the previous record-holder – Italy’s Maurizio Galli – by a year and five months. Even more remarkable was the record that followed in the Oranje’s next match against El Salvador, when Roel and 23-year-old Diego Liefden became the first father-and-son duo to take part in the same match at a FIFA tournament. History has been made throughout the opening week at Tahiti 2013, with the Liefden’s team-mate, Frank van der Geest, among five goalkeepers to have found the net already in this edition – a new tournament record. There has also been joy for the hosts, with Tahiti qualifying for the knockout phase of a FIFA tournament for the first time in their history. 

46 per cent was the rate of possession with which Barcelona emerged from Saturday’s 4-0 win at Rayo Vallecano. This might be not a remarkable statistic for any other team but, for Barça, it ended a run of 316 consecutive matches in which they had dominated the ball. To put that streak in context, it dates back to May 2008 and encompassed the entire reigns of coaches Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova. Not that Gerardo Martino’s side suffered any material consequences from losing the battle for possession. The 4-0 win maintained their unblemished start to the Liga season, and Pedro became the first Barça player - besides Lionel Messi - to score a hat-trick away from home in La Liga since Giovanni dos Santos in May 2008

.

26 national championships was the landmark reached by Iceland’s KR on Saturday with a title-clinching 2-1 win over Valur. Already Iceland’s record champions – their closest challengers, Valur, have 20 titles – the Reykjavik outfit have re-established themselves as the most dominant domestic force in the Nordic region. Finland’s HJK, with 25 titles, are the team they have moved ahead of, while Norway’s Rosenborg (22) and HB of the Faroe Islands (21) follow closely behind. All three of these regional rivals currently lead their league tables though, and are on course to claw back KR’s newly established advantage over the coming weeks. 

7 unanswered goals against Sassuolo on Sunday gave Inter Milan their biggest Serie A win in over 47 years. Not since March 1966, when they beat Brescia by the same scoreline, had Inter won so handsomely in the Italian top flight. The victory fell just one goal short of the league’s all-time record, which was set when Padova beat Venezia 8-0 in 1949 and equalled six years later by AC Milan against Genoa. It was a win for which Inter were indebted to their South American legion, with no fewer than four different Argentinians on target - a first for a Serie A match this century. Among that Albiceleste quartet was Diego Milito, who grabbed a double on his return from injury, ending a run of over seven months without a goal. It wasn’t such an enjoyable weekend for city rivals AC Milan, though, with I Rossoneri losing at home to Napoli for the first time since 1986 and seeing Mario Balotelli miss his first-ever penalty, ending a run of 22 successive conversions.

Luis Suarez to ask Liverpool for talks with Arsenal

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez wants to hold talks with Arsenal over a potential move to the London club.

Suarez believes Arsenal's offer of just over £40m - which was rejected - triggered a clause in his contract that allows him to speak to suitors.

Liverpool interpret the clause differently, but the 26-year-old will inform Reds boss Brendan Rodgers of his wish to meet with Arsenal.

The Anfield side have now turned down two offers from the Gunners.

But with Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, another of their targets, reportedly set to complete a move to Napoli, Arsenal will put all of their efforts into signing Suarez.

Suarez in numbers

• 30 goals in 44 appearances for Liverpool last season
• Since joining from Ajax in January 2011 for £22.7m, has scored 51 in 96 appearances
• 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax the season before joining Liverpool
• 31 goals in 62 appearances for Uruguay

Following Arsenal's most recent approach, a post on Liverpool owner John Henry's Twitter page  read: "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?"

It is unclear whether Henry is talking about Arsenal's attempts to sign Suarez or their valuation of the player.

The Gunners' unusual bid of £40,000,001 was designed to trigger the clause in the player's contract that stipulates Liverpool must consider any offer in excess of £40m and give Suarez the option of talking to the club - but the Reds do not have to sell.

While Liverpool remain determined to keep their prized asset, who scored 30 goals for the club in 44 appearances last season, their resolve is likely to be tested if the bidding continues to rise.

Real Madrid remain interested in the Uruguayan but have yet to make a formal offer.

Arsenal are waiting to learn the outcome of the striker's meeting with Rodgers on Liverpool's pre-season tour to Australia before deciding how to proceed.

Suarez could make his first appearance for the Reds this summer on Wednesday, after being named among the substitutes for the friendly against Melbourne Victory.

Should Arsenal persist and have an improved bid accepted, it could come close to trebling their previous highest initial outlay on a transfer.

Arsenal's record buys

• Jose Antonio Reyes (Seville) £17.5m
• Santi Cazorla (Malaga) £16m
• Andrey Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg) £15m
• Sylvain Wiltord (Bordeaux) £13m
• Thierry Henry (Juventus) £11m

The Gunners, whose first offer for Suarez was £30m, paid a reported £15m to Zenit St Petersburg for Andrey Arshavin, in January 2009.

Rodgers last week said he considered Suarez to be at least as valuable as Edinson Cavani, who recently joined Paris St-Germain for £55m.

Suarez joined Liverpool in Australia at the weekend after flying to Melbourne from Montevideo on Sunday, having been given extended leave by the Reds following the Confederations Cup.

He wants to leave Anfield to play for a Champions League club despite only signing a new long-term deal last summer.

Speculation has grown about Suarez's future since he was punished with a 10-game ban at the end of April for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

The striker still has to serve six games of that suspension and was also banned in 2011 after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Suarez joined Liverpool from Ajax in January 2011 in a £22.7m deal.

Neymar: It will be an honor to face Cristiano Ronaldo

The Brazilian also claimed that his religious beliefs gave him the “wisdom” to join the Liga champions ahead of his move to Camp Nou this summer

New Barcelona signing Neymar says he is already relishing the chance to come up against Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 21-year-old hailed the ability of the Bernabeu star and said he hopes to come out on top when his new side does battle with its Clasico rival next season.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player," Neymar told reporters. "He is skillful and it will be an honor to face him. Hopefully I can win."

Neymar will join the newly crowned Liga champions this summer and the Brazil international also claimed his religious beliefs helped him to decide on making the switch to Spain.

“I talked to God to give me wisdom and directed me the right way, so I chose Barcelona," he said. “I chose to join Barcelona because it was a wish that came out of my heart. Change is always difficult, but I hope to be able to adapt as soon as possible."

Madrid was amongst a number of sides who were also chasing Neymar's signature until his transfer from Santos to Camp Nou was officially confirmed last week.

Del Bosque: La Liga needs players like Neymar

The World Cup-winning coach has applauded Barcelona's capture of the young attacker and is pleased to see another star move to Spain.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has taken the time to praise Barcelona signing Neymar, saying his presence will enrich La Liga.

The Blaugrana confirmed on Sunday that the club has agreed terms with Santos over the transfer of the Brazil star, who will ink a five-year deal with the club, and the 62-year-old is pleased that Neymar will ply his trade in Spain from next season.

"I really like Neymar. He is an artist and Spanish football needs players like him," Del Bosque told Radio Marca.

"We should not be closing our borders for the very best. We already have players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo here, who are the best in the world."

Real Madrid had also made an offer for Neymar, but the tricky attacker eventually opted to join Barcelona instead.

The forward will take part in the Confederations Cup with Brazil this summer before joining his new teammates in Catalunya.

Del Bosque names squad, explains decisions

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque 

 

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted he was left with a virtually impossible task to find a place in his provisional FIFA Confederations Cup squad for all the players who deserved to be called up. Del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Brazil next month, with three players set to drop out following this weekend's final round of La Liga fixtures.

Fernando Torres and Javi Martinez have both been recalled, while Javi Garcia, Benat Etxebarria and Roberto Soldado are also in the provisional group, along with captain Iker Casillas, who has not played for Real Madrid since January. A number of hopefuls were left disappointed, though, including Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was a member of Spain's UEFA EURO 2012-winning squad and has scored 21 league goals this season.

"It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place," said Del Bosque. "[Cesc] Fabregas, [David] Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include [Imanol] Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

"We can't bring in everybody. We've deemed it fit to call up Soldado because he's had a great season. We've called up those players who are going to help us have the best tournament.

It's almost impossible to have every player who merited a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers. You could just as easily ask why we didn't include Agirretxe, Iago Aspas, Michu.

Vicente Del Bosque

"It's impossible to please everyone. Some will say why are players like Xavi going who are tired. They all want to be here and are looking forward to it. No-one has said they don't want to be in the Confederations Cup."

Del Bosque explains Casillas, Martinez & Torres inclusions
Del Bosque also felt it was the right time to bring Torres back into the fold. The 29-year-old has been omitted from the last few Spain squads, but earned a recall after netting 22 goals in 64 appearances for Chelsea this season, while playing a key role in the Blues' successful UEFA Europa League campaign. It was a similar story for midfielder Martinez, who was a stand-out performer for Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"When they haven't been called up it's because we didn't think it was best," Del Bosque said. "Now we think the opposite, we think that they are in a good moment."

Regarding the decision to name goalkeeper Casillas in his squad, even though the veteran has not played competitively for almost five months due in part to a hand injury and also falling out of favour with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, Del Bosque said: "We're certain he's in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure he is fine. He's one of us."

Spain have been drawn in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup, with their first game coming against Uruguay in Recife on 16 June. Four days later the reigning world and European champions play Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro, before taking on Nigeria in Fortaleza on 23 June.

Group A consists of hosts Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Japan.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Del Bosque said: "Not only are there four world champions, but there are countries who are Olympic champions like Mexico and African champions like Nigeria. Japan are one of the countries who have made great progress and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents. We will try to be at the level we need to be."

Prior to the tournament, Spain have friendlies against Haiti and Republic of Ireland in the USA.

Provisional Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Alonso (Real Madrid), Benat (Real Betis), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Garcia (Manchester City), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona)

Forwards: Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona).

The official squad lists for the FIFA Confederations Cup will only be announced by FIFA on Friday 7 June.