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Wachezaji 26 waitwa kuunda Twiga Stars

Imeandikwa na Na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 8th April 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 31; Jumla ya maoni: 0








KOCHA Mkuu wa timu ya Taifa ya mpira wa miguu ya wanawake (Twiga Stars), Charles Boniface ametangaza majina ya wachezaji 26 watakaoanza mazoezi Jumatatu kwa ajili ya mechi yao ya mchujo ya michezo ya Afrika dhidi ya Sudan.

Kulingana na taarifa kwa vyombo vya habari iliyotolewa Ijumaa na Ofisa Habari wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF), Boniface Wambura timu hiyo itaanza mazoezi Jumatatu kwenye
Uwanja wa Karume Dar es Salaam kwa wachezaji kutokea makwao na itaingia rasmi kambini Aprili 20.

Aliwataja wachezaji walioitwa na timu zao katika mabano kuwa ni Asha Rashid (Mburahati Queens), Neema Jacob (Simba Queens), Sophia Mwasikili (Sayari), Fadhila Hamad (Uzuri), Irene Matowo (Mburahati Queens), Hellen Tolla (JKT), Mwanahamisi Shurua (Mburahati Queens) na Fatuma Jawadu (Sayari).

Wengine ni Fatuma Swalehe (Simba Queens), Maimuna Mkane (JKT), Pulkelia Charaji (Sayari), Fatuma Makusanya (Simba Queens) na Mwanaidi Tamba (Mburahati Queens).

Pia wapo Fridiana Daudi (JKT), Fatuma Salum (Mburahati Queens), Mwajuma Abdillah (Tanzanite), Mariam Fakil (Tanzanite), Mwasiti Selemani (Tanzanite), Aziza Lugendo
(Mburahati Queens), Suzana Komba (TMK), Rukia Hamisi (Evergreen), Pendo Juma (Evergreen), Zena Khamis (Mburahati Queens), Tatu Said (Umonga Sekondari, Dodoma),
Mwanaidi Khamis (Uzuri Queens) na Zena Said (Uzuri Queens).

"Kwa siku kumi za kwanza, Twiga Stars itafanya mazoezi Uwanja wa Karume kwa wachezaji kutokea nyumbani (off camp) na baada ya hapo itaingia rasmi kambini Aprili 20, 2011.

"Twiga Stars itacheza mechi yake ya kwanza ugenini Aprili 30, 2011, wakati ya marudiano itachezwa Mei 15, 2011 jijini Dar es Salaam. Twiga Stars ikiitoa Sudan itakuwa imefuzu kwa michezo ya All Africa Games ambayo itafanyika Septemba 2011 jijini Maputo,
Msumbiji," alisema Wambura.

Wakati huo huo, Kamati ya Uchaguzi ya TFF imefanya marekebisho mbalimbali ya kanuni za uchaguzi ikiwemo kuainisha viwango vya ada za fomu za kuomba uongozi na za rufaa
kwa ngazi zote.

Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo Deogratius Lyato alisema kwa wanaotaka urais wa TFF watalipa Sh 500,000, wakati Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa TFF ada itakuwa Sh300,000 huku wajumbe wa Kamati ya Utendaji ada ikiwa ni Sh 200,000.

Vijana Stars kibaruani Jumamosi

Imeandikwa na Na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 8th April 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 37; Jumla ya maoni: 0








TIMU ya soka ya Taifa ya vijana ya Tanzania chini ya umri wa miaka 23 (Vijana Stars), Jumamosi inashuka kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam kuvaana na vijana wa Cameroon.

Mchezo huo ni wa marudiano kuwania kufuzu michuano ya Olimpiki itakayofanyika 2012
jijini London, Uingereza, ambapo katika mchezo wa kwanza uliofanyika jijini Yaounde, wiki mbili zilizopita, Vijana Stars ilifungwa mabao 2-1.

Kutokana na matokeo hayo, Vijana Stars leo inahitaji ushindi wa bao 1-0 itakuwa imeingia hatua inayofuata ya michuano hiyo, lakini ikitoka sare ya aina yoyote itakuwa imetolewa.

Kocha Mkuu wa Vijana Stars, Jamhuri Kihwelo katika kuhakikisha anafanya vizuri kwa mchezo huo aliimarisha kikosi chake baada ya kurejea nchini, ambapo aliwaongeza wachezaji kadhaa akiwemo mshambuliaji Mrisho Ngasa.

Wengine waliongezwa kwenye kikosi hicho ni Kigi Makasy wa Yanga na kiungo Jabir Aziz wa Azam ambao uwepo wao kwenye timu hiyo unachukuliwa utakuwa chachu ya kufanya vizuri.

Aziz, Ngasa pamoja na mshambuliaji Mbwana Samatta ambaye alicheza mechi ya kwanza mjini
Yaounde pamoja na kipa Shaaban Kado pia wanachezea timu ya soka ya Taifa ‘Taifa Stars'.

Wengine walioongezwa na timu zao katika mabano ni David Luhende (Kagera Sugar), Kelvin Chale (Simba), Ali Lundenga (Kagera Sugar) na Juma Abdul (Mtibwa Sugar).

Kutokana na msingi huo ni wazi Jumamosi Vijana Stars itakuwa na nguvu nzuri ya kuhakikisha inashinda mchezo huo kutokana na kuwa na wachezaji wenye uzoefu.

Kihwelo ametamba kuwa vijana wake wapo imara na wana matumaini makubwa ya kuibuka na ushindi. Lakini kocha wa Cameroon, Dieudanne Nka naye juzi alisema wamekuja kwa ajili ya kuhakikisha wanaibuka na ushindi na si kujilinda, hivyo ana matumaini makubwa ya wao kuendeleza ubabe.

Alisema atawatumia vema wachezaji wake watano wanaocheza soka Ulaya kuhakikisha kuwa
wanaipatia ushindi timu yake.

Saturday April 09, 2011 Sports
U-23 target Cameroon scalp CAMEROON Under-23 head coach Nke Dieudonne Jean (left) shares jokes with some players and officials at Paradise City Hotel in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Cameroon will face the National Under-23 side, ‘Vijana Stars' , in a second leg match of the African Olympic qualifiers at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. (Photo by Robert Okanda)




By JAPHETH KAZENGA, 8th April 2011 @ 12:02, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 110

THE national U-23 soccer team will come out with all guns blazing against Cameroon in the return leg match of the Olympic qualifiers at the National Stadium today, as the former seeks to stay on track for qualification for the next year's showpiece set for London, England.

It is nothing but victory that will assure the home side of progression to more tricky stages of the qualifiers and somewhat instill hope among domestic soccer fans that Tanzania could confidently challenge for a place in the next year's finals.

The national U-23 side lost 2-1 to Cameroon in the first leg match played at the latter's venue and will need at least a 1-0 win to continue hunting for the much treasured participation in the London Olympic Games.

And the team's head coach Jamhuri Kihwelo ‘Julio' has made no secret of his desire to guide his lads to a comfortable victory over the Cameroonians today, promising that the home side has plenty of qualities required to triumph in the game.

Kihwelo reiterated his previous statement, which was issued on Thursday, that he has prepared his players to win convincingly against Cameroon and he has no doubt about his team's ability to defeat the latter.

"We have prepared very well for the match and a lot of effort has been put in rectifying mistakes we committed in the first leg match in Cameroon," he said.

The home boys will have every reason to fully utilize the home ground advantage considering that a huge turnout of domestic fans is expected to cheer them in anticipation of victory.

Kihwelo did not hesitate to urge the fans to attend in numbers and strongly support his squad considering that he has much knowledge on the advantages of the fans' support.

"The U-23 squad comprises young players who are still in their learning process, so, the fans' support is crucial to bolstering their (players') confidence," he said.

Skipper Shaaban Kado also oozed confidence over the team's ability to knock their opponents out of the qualifiers, saying the home side has what it takes to outplay Cameroon and emerge victors.

"The defeat we suffered in the first leg match was caused by minor mistakes we committed at some point. We have already rectified them and we look forward to winning on Saturday," said Kado.

With Kihwelo having already promised to opt for an attacking football to get the much needed goals, he certainly is expected to fully exploit the services of several prominent players who have recently been called up to boost his team's performance.

The squad is expected to have the much needed competitive edge in the forward line following the addition of speedy striker Mrisho Ngasa, who will hopefully partner gifted attackers in the likes of Mbwana Samata, Thomas Ulimwengu and Jamal Mnyate, among others.

Despite having the home ground advantage, the national U23 squad will have an uphill task of living up to their expectations as they face equally determined opponents, who seek to regain their glorious status in the Olympic Games.

Cameroon won gold medal in soccer in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games but they unceremoniously crashed out of the semi-finals during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The team's coach Dieudonne Nke said on Thursday that he is keen on repeating the Sydney Games' feat and that poses quite an interesting challenge to the Tanzanian squad.

Kombe la Andengenye kuanza Arusha Jumamosi

Imeandikwa na Na Fadhili Akida; Tarehe: 8th April 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 17; Jumla ya maoni: 0








MICHUANO ya Kombe la Makamanda wa Polisi wa Mikoa, inatarajia kuanza Jumamosi mkoani Arusha, wakati Mwanza itakuwa Aprili 16, 2011.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Dar es Salaam juzi, rais wa kampuni ya RBP Oil, Rahma Al-Kharoosi ambao ndiyo wadhamini wakuu wa michuano hiyo, alisema michuano itawakutanisha vijana wa mitaani na askari polisi na lengo lake ni kuleta ushirikiano baina ya polisi na raia katika mpango wa ulinzi shirikishi ikiwa na kauli mbiu ya Cheza, Linda na Ujasiriamali.

Alisema michuano hiyo itakayofanyika kwa awamu katika mikoa ya Arusha na Mwanza, inajulikana kama Kamanda Andengenye Cup kwa Mkoa wa Arusha na Kamanda Siro Cup kwa mkoa wa Mwanza.

Alisema michezo mbalimbali ikiwemo mpira wa miguu, mpira wa pete, kuvuta kamba, kukimbiza kuku na mingineyo itachezwa kutegemea na uwezo wa washiriki.

"Lengo la michuano hii ni kuwaweka Watanzania pamoja, kuwaweka karibu na polisi ili kujenga
ushirikiano mzuri baina yao, ikiwa ni mpango wa Serikali wa kushirikisha jamii katika kulinda amani ya nchi kwa kujiepusha na vitendo viovu na vya uhalifu," alisema rais huyo.

Katika kuhakikisha michuano hiyo inafanikiwa, kampuni ya RBP imetoa vifaa mbalimbali vya michezo vitakavyotumika wakati wa mashindano hayo ambavyo ni jezi, mipira, soksi na vikombe.

Yanga, African Lyon match fetches 22m/-

By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 8th April 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 57

THE Premier League encounter between Yanga and African Lyon staged at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, churned 22,252,000/-.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information Officer, Boniface Wambura, said the collection was from a total of 4,476 fans that paid entrance fees to watch the match.

The match's entrance fees were 15,000/- for VIP seats, 8,000/- for the main stand, while three green stand seats cost 5,000/- each, as 3, 000/- was the fee for fans who sat at the terraces.

"After setting aside 18 per cent for the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is 3,394,372.88 /-, the remaining cash, which was divided to different concerning parties, totalled 18,857,627.12/-," said Wambura.

He said the total of the previous costs of the match was 5,185,200 /- while the two teams got 4,101,728.14/- apiece.

Meanwhile, the match pitting defending champions Simba against JKT Ruvu played at the same venue on Wednesday, realized 21,106,000/-.

Wambura, said the collection was from a total of 4,264 fans that paid entrance fees to watch the match.

The match's entrance fees were 15,000/- for VIP seats, 8,000/- for the main stand while three green stand seats cost 5,000/- each as 3, 000/- was the fee for fans who sat at the rest of the stadium.

"After setting aside 18 per cent for the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is 3,219,559/-, the remaining cash, which was divided to different concerning parties, totalled 17,886,441/-," said Wambura.

The total of the previous costs of the match was 2,275,000/- while the two teams got 4,683,252/-each.

The venue fee was 1,561,084/-, TFF got 1,561,084/- and 1, 561,084/- met the match's costs.

Others who had a share of the collection include the National Sports Council (NSC) which took 156,108/-, the Dar es Salaam Regional Football Association (DRFA), which had 624,433/- and the Football Development Fund (FDF) that received 780,542/-.

Sekeleti, Mukubwa kutua Dar es Salaam wiki ijayo

Imeandikwa na Na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 8th April 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 21; Jumla ya maoni: 0








MSANII Ephraim Sekeleti wa Zambia na Solomon Mukubwa ambaye ni raia wa Jamhuri ya
Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC) anayeishi Kenya, wanatarajia kutua Dar es Salaam wiki ijayo kwa ajili ya Tamasha la Pasaka.

Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Maandalizi ya tamasha hilo, Alex Msama alisema Dar es Salaam Ijumaa kuwa baadhi ya wasanii waliopangwa kutumbuiza kwenye tamasha hilo tayari wameshafika Dar na wengine watafika wiki ijayo.

"Sekeleti na Mukubwa wao watafika wiki ijayo, ila hivi sasa wapo wengine ambao wanatoka nje
ya nchi washafika na wanaendelea na mazoezi lakini sitawataja," alisema.

Alieleza kuwa maandalizi kuhusiana na tamasha hilo yanakwenda vizuri na ana matumaini litakuwa la kuvutia kwa maonesho yote ya Dar es Salaam Aprili 24, Dodoma Aprili 25 na Mwanza Aprili 26.

Baadhi ya wasanii watakaotumbuiza licha ya Mukubwa na Mzambia Sekeleti ni Rose Muhando, Upendo Nkone, Bony Mwaitege na wanamuziki kutoka Kenya, Anastazia Mukabwa na Pamela Wanderwa.

Tayari kamati hiyo imeshaeleza kuwa mgeni rasmi anatarajiwa kuwa Rais Jakaya Kikwete kwa
tamasha la Dar es Salaam.

Utata umiliki wa studio aliyoitoa JK wafika bungeni

Imeandikwa na Basil Msongo, Dodoma; Tarehe: 8th April 2011 @ 15:23 Imesomwa na watu: 106; Jumla ya maoni: 0








MBUNGE wa Mbeya Mjini (Chadema), Joseph Mbilinyi, amehoji kwa nini studio ya muziki iliyotolewa na Rais Jakaya Kikwete, wamepewa kikundi cha wasanii badala ya Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA).

Mbilinyi amesema bungeni mjini Dodoma kuwa, ameuliza swali hilo kwa niaba ya wasanii wote Tanzania na kuhoji, kwa nini studio hiyo wamepewa watu binafsi badala ya Basata.

Kwa mujibu wa Mbunge huyo, Basata ni chombo chenye dhamana ya kusimamia shughuli zote za sanaa nchini.

Waziri wa Habari, Utamaduni, Vijana na Michezo, Dk. Emannuel Nchimbi, amemjibu kwamba, studio hiyo (Mastering Studio), itaendelea kuwa huko kwa waliopewa, Basata watatafutiwa kitu kingine.

Awali, Naibu Waziri wa Wizara hiyo, Dk. Fenela Mukangara, alisema bungeni kuwa, studio hiyo wamepewa wasanii walioanzisha chama kiitwacho Tanzania Falva Unit na si Clouds FM.

Kwa mujibu wa Dk. Mkangara, wasanii hao ni wale wa Tanzania House Of Talents (THT), ya Dar es Salaam na baadhi ya wanamuziki wa kizazi kipya wenye ushirikiano wa karibu sana wa kiutendaji kazi na kituo cha redio cha Clouds FM kinachomilikiwa na Ruge Mutahaba.

Alikuwa anajibu maswali ya Mbunge wa Viti Maalum, Martha Mlata, aliyetaka kufahamu studio hiyo inawanufaisha vipi wasanii na ni wasanii wangapi wanaonufaika.

"Napenda kumjulisha Mheshimiwa Mlata kwamba, Mastering Studio hiyo bado haijaanza kufanya kazi hivyo ni mapema sana kueleza jinsi wasanii wanavyonufaika" amesema Dk. Fenella.

Amesema, anatumaini kwamba, ufungaji wa studio hiyo ukikamilika wasanii watanufaika kwa kuitumia kutengeneza kazi zao kwa gharama nafuu.

Amewaeleza wabunge kuna mahitaji makubwa ya vifaa kwa ajili ya kazi za wasanii na akasema, kuna vikundi 1716 vya wasanii, vyama 16 vya wasanii na wakuzaji 452 wa sanaa.

Twiga Stars eye All African Games slot





By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 8th April 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 37

THE national women soccer team, Twiga Stars stands a big chance of making it to the All African Games finals this September, should they win the only remaining hurdle against Sudan later this month.

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Information Officer, Boniface Wambura told reporters on Friday that Twiga Stars will start off training camp on Monday and will play their first leg match away in Khartoum on April 30.

He said Twiga Stars were given two byes after Uganda and Kenya who were the first and second round opponents respectively, pulled out of the race.

Wambura said should Twiga Stars make it past their assignment against Sudan, they will qualify for the finals set for Maputo, Mozambique.

"They will launch their campaign on April 30 and a return leg encounter in Dar es Salaam on May 13," he said.

Going by their recent history, Twiga Stars who managed to reach the Africa Women Championship finals in South Africa last year, will definitely be the favourites to ease past Sudan. Bu that remain on papers and it should not let them underrate their opponents.

The team head coach, Charles Boniface Mkwasa on Friday announced a 26-players squad ahead of the qualifiers.

The players who start with an off training camp on Monday to be followed by a residential training on April 20 are Asha Rashid, Mwanahamisi Omar, Irene Matowo, Mwanaidi Tamba, Fatuma Salum, Aziza Lugendo and Zena Khamis all from Mburahati Queens.

Others are Neema Jacob, Fatuma Mustapha, Fatuma Bashiri (Simba Queens), while those from Sayari are Sophia Mwasikili, Fatuma Jawadu and Pulkeria Charaji, while Uzuri Queens has enrolled three players in the national team namely Fadhila Hamad, Mwanaidi Khamisi and Zena Saidi.

The list also includes Tatu Saidi from Umoja Secondary School, Rukia Hamisi and Pendo Juma (Ever Green), Susan Komba (TKM) while Tanzanite entrants are Mwasiti Selemani, Mariam Fakil, Mwajuma Abdillah.

Those from JKT are Fridiana Daudi, Maimuna Mkane and Hellen Tola. Meanwhile, TFF Election Committee Chairman, Deogratius Lyatto has announced amendments of regulations from district to national level including hiking nomination form fees for Presidential candidates from 300,000/- to 500,000/-.

The amendments also include setting Form Four as a minimum qualification for candidates wishing to vie for any TFF post.

He further said the national form four certificate from the National Examination Council and not the leaving certificate will be required to avoid ambiguity.

Moreover, Lyatto said to get away from conflict of interest and create neutrality the election committee members in districts and regions should not be TFF Executive Committee members.

Tanzania loses billions from music piracy

By ABDALLAH MSUYA, 8th April 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 43

THE government lost about 23.5bn/- in tax revenue in music industry only last year, as a result of ineffective Copyright Law enforcement.

According to a study by Dr Jehovaness Aikaeli from the Department of Economics of the University of Dar es Salaam, the gross music sector national income in 2010 accounted for an estimated 0.66 of GDP or 222bn/-.

Aikaeli said if effective enforcement of copyrights law was put in place, music stakeholders other than the government would have accrued around 444.5bn/- during last year, whereas tax income would also improve to an estimated 51.4bn/-.

He revealed this when presenting a paper ‘the copyrights law and music income growth in Tanzania' during the music stakeholders' workshop to review the music copyrights and neighbouring rights organized by Rulu Arts Promoters last Thursday.

"If piracy is not checked, we will lose further billions to it because they do not pay taxes or royalties to the Copyright Society of Tanzania," warned Aikaeli adding;

"Only 12 per cent of all music incomes earned pay tax, whose average rate is coincidentally 12 per cent."

Aikaeli said there is a huge weakness in protection and promotion of music industry in the country, shown by among other facts, inadequate court action against breach of copyright law.

"Music is valuable, both socially and economically. The industry can employ a large number of people and contribute income to musicians and the government through tax, therefore developing music industry is within the national interest."

Legendary musician John Kitime, who presided the sessions, was not happy with lack of respect to copyright laws in Tanzania.

He wondered why the noose was not tight enough to restrain selling of pirated goods, including foreign and other intellectual property.

"Piracy is the biggest problem in the music industry now. It is about time that the government takes serious action on the issue," he said.

On her side, gospel singer Stara Thomas expressed concern that most local musicians were not aware of their rights:

"Piracy is the greatest threat facing musicians; we must join hands if we really want to curb this problem, as musicians we need to know our rights otherwise it will be very difficult to stop this theft."

Match fixing fears engulf league final day

By DAILY NEWS Reporter, 8th April 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 47

AHEAD of the decisive final day of the Premier League campaign, title contenders Simba and Young Africans have been warned by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) not to indulge in any match-fixing.

Leaders Yanga and second-placed Simba face a nerve-shredding end to the top flight season as the title race reaches its climax tomorrow in one of the closest finishes in the history of the league.

Sam Timbe's side travel to Mwanza to face Toto African at the CCM Kirumba Stadium, while defending champions Simba play host to relegated Majimaji from Ruvuma at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

After many years, the two traditional rivals go into the final day of the league campaign tied on points, 46 each with Yanga's goal difference one better off than their rivals, 22 against 21.

As both teams are expected to face little opposition from their opponents, there is every possibility that the destination of the title will be decided on goal difference.

People who always smell rat have started murmuring about ‘possible' match-fixing and amid the suspicions and rumours, the TFF on Friday issued a strong warning to all involved teams that it was keeping a "close watch" on the teams' moves.

"We believe that each team would adhere to the rules and regulations, if any such thing happens, we are going to take action," TFF Information Officer Boniface Wambura warned.

Wambura also reminded the criteria that would be used, saying if the two teams will finish the race level on points and goal differences, the next criteria will, accordingly, be the number of goals scored, number of goals conceded and the head-on.

Yanga, who were four points behind Simba with only three matches to play, go into the final day of the campaign in buoyant mood having capitalized in the holders' slipup to forge their way atop.

The Jangwani Street boys took a big step towards reclaiming the title they lost last season to archrivals Simba with a comfortable 3-1 win over African Lyon on Thursday.

And they just need to match Simba's final score to dethrone their rivals. The fact that they wind up against Toto African, the team which boast poor record against Yanga, the task ahead is seemingly trouble-free.

Simba, who uncharacteristically squandered a four-point advantage in the title race following a barren and goalless draw against Kagera Sugar and JKT Ruvu respectively, should be praying for football gods that the final day results turns their way.

Majimaji have already waved goodbye to the elite league and have nothing to play for but pride.

The rumour mill suggested the Ruvuma side, who are former champions, were mulling against honouring their final match.

Adamant Yanga take charge

GOAL MOUTH MELEE! African Lyon goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda (second left) and his defenders (in orange) attempt to clear a danger during their Premier League match against Yanga at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday. Yanga won 3-1. (Photo by Fadhili Akida)

By ABDALLAH MSUYA, 7th April 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 365

YOUNG Africans took a big step towards reclaiming the Premier League title they lost last season to archrivals Simba, after cruising to a comfortable 3-1 win over African Lyon at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

Towering striker Idd Mbaga was the star of the show with a well taken brace sandwiched by Davies Mwape's stunner. Chacha Marwa's own goal in the closing stage proved nothing but a consolation for battling Lyon.

The results moved Sam Timbe's side top of the table with 46 points, leapfrogging Simba, also on 46 points, based on goal differences.

With only one match to go there is every possibility that the championship will be decided with goal-difference superiority.

Yanga, who were four points behind Simba with only three matches to play, go into the final day of the campaign with one goal advantage over the holders who dropped fours points in their last two games following a barren and goalless draw against Kagera Sugar and JKT Ruvu respectively.

The league climaxes this Sunday whereas Yanga will be on road to take on Toto African at CCM Kirumba in Mwanza, while Simba will play host to Majimaji of Songea at the Uhuru Stadium on the closing day.

Yanga started well and forced two classic saves from African Lyon goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda, through Fred Mbuna's superb diving header and Mwape's ferocious strike inside the opening 12 minutes.

The victors finally made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute, when Mbaga received a nice through ball from Kigi Makasi before sliding the ball clinically past onrushing Mapunda.

Lyon did nothing serious offensively until after 36 minutes when they went agonizingly close to hitting the level through Benedictor Jacob's effort but the ball went just wide with Yew Berko well beaten.

Seconds into the restart Mwape extended Yanga's lead with a spectacular pile-drive from the edge of the box, which Mapunda could only parry to his net. Mbaga, who partnered Mwape in the absence of Jerryson Tetege, put the results beyond doubt in the 61st minute.

The youthful hit-man showed a killer's instinct as he raced to meet Nurdin Bakari's defence splitting path before slotting home with a low shot.

Ironically, the last two goals undermined Mapunda's heroic first half performance; he could have done better in both occasions.

With twelve minutes of regular time remaining, Lyon succeeded to get what would prove a consolation goal when Jacob's cross ball was deflected into the back of the net by Marwa. Mbaga was unfortunate as he sustained serious head injury in the closing stages after colliding with his teammate, Mwape and had to be rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, the Mainland Premier League match pitting defending champions Simba against JKT Ruvu played at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, realized 21,106,000/-.

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information Officer, Boniface Wambura, said the collection was from a total of 4,264 fans that paid entrance fees to watch the match.

The match's entrance fees were 15,000/- for VIP seats, 8,000/- for the main stand, while three green stand seats cost 5,000/- each, as 3, 000/- was the fee for fans who sat at the rest of the stadium.

"After setting aside 18 per cent for the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is 3,219,559/-, the remaining cash, which was divided to different concerning parties, totaled 17,886,441/-," said Wambura.

He said the total of the previous costs of the match was 2,275,000/- while the two teams got 4,683,252/- apiece.

The venue fee was 1,561,084/-, TFF got 1,561,084/- and 1, 561,084/- met the match's costs. Others who had a share of the collection include the National Sports Council (NSC), which took 156,108/-, the Dar es Salaam Regional Football Association (DRFA), which had 624,433/-, and the Football Development Fund (FDF) that received 780,542/-.

Fergie hits back at police chief


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 11:28 AM ET
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Superintendent Mark Payne of "needing to be noticed" following his blast at Wayne Rooney.
Payne, responsible for managing responses to crime and operations in Wolverhampton, claimed he would have expected his officers to have arrested Rooney had the England striker replicated his four-letter outburst at Upton Park on Saturday in a public place.

The suggestion brought a withering response from Ferguson.
"Everyone has an opinion today," he said at his press conference on Friday morning.
"There is an issue in the modern world of a need to be noticed.
"There is a wee guy, sitting down there in the Midlands, probably never been recognised in his life, managed to elevate himself to whatever it is in the police force.
"Have you ever seen Wolverhampton on a Saturday night? Do police ever arrest anyone for swearing on a Saturday night? Dearie me. That is a good one."
Payne said on his blog on policing: "If Rooney had behaved like that in Wolverhampton on Saturday night, I would have expected my officers to lock him up.
"People in positions of influence have an obligation to behave like human beings. It is not a lot to ask."
Mr Payne went on: "I have seen a thousand Rooneys, and I am sure most police officers will have.
"The same aggressive stance, the bulging eyes, the foul-mouthed rant, fists clenched, surrounded by his mates, all cheering him on.
"I have seen this on Friday and Saturday nights, as young men (and more often young ladies) engage in a 'good night out'.
"My officers will face more Rooneys over the weekend, no doubt somebody will be injured in some meaningless fight. An officer will have to go and tell a parent that their son or daughter is in hospital as a result."
In their immediate reactions to Rooney's two-match suspension being confirmed by the Football Association, both United and the player made their displeasure known.
Rooney clearly believes he is a victim of double standards.
And Ferguson feels the whole incident has put massive pressure on referee Lee Mason.
"I don't know if you can use the word fair any longer," said Ferguson, recalling that his use of the word at Chelsea last month landed him with a five-game touchline ban.
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"We put an appeal in. The lad has apologised for swearing but I don't think we expected to get a result.
"It will bring us together. It is a plus for us.
"But the one I feel sorry for is Lee Mason. He has put himself in a terrible position.
"He has been put under pressure. There is no doubt about that.
"It is hard to imagine the referee would send a player off for scoring a hat-trick.
"But he has now put himself in the spotlight. If he doesn't send a player off for swearing the question will be, has he got double standards.
"It is a very difficult position the lad is in. I feel for him. I really do. I don't know where his career is going to go now.
"I think he was put under pressure."
Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed young defender Rafael will miss Saturday's Premier League encounter with Fulham at Old Trafford after suffering a knee injury in the Champions League win at Chelsea on Wednesay.
However, the 20-year-old is expected to be fit for Tuesday's second leg.
The good news for United is that John O'Shea and Wes Brown have both recovered from hamstring problems and both are available to face the Cottagers.

Giggs surprised by Rooney ban


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 8:14 AM ET
Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs has expressed his surprise that Wayne Rooney received a two-match ban for swearing.
The Red Devils ace swore at a close proximity television camera after netting from the penalty spot against West Ham last week. His appeal against the FA's charge failed on Wednesday.

While Giggs was not surprised by the fall-out of the incident due to Rooney's high profile, he was surprised by the punishment as it set a new precedent.
Rooney now misses United's weekend clash with Fulham along with their FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City and Giggs says everyone is 'bamboozled' by his ban.
"I'm not surprised by the furore surrounding it because of the profile Wayne has got," said Giggs.
"But a two-game ban? I'm surprised by that. It had just never been done before [a player being charged for swearing].
"There was no precedent and that's why we were bamboozled by it."
Rooney has been one of United's form players having netted the winning in their Champions League success at Chelsea on Wednesday and Giggs knows losing the striker is a blow.
"Obviously it is a blow," said Giggs. "You want your big players flying at this point of the season because it is big game after big game.
"You want your special players scoring and Wayne is in good goalscoring form. He is a special player."

Wenger: Gunners are 'amazing'


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 12:45 PM ET
Arsene Wenger has told Arsenal fans not to lose faith in his "absolutely amazing" young team and insisted the future of the club is bright.
Arsenal's season is in danger of unravelling following a morale-sapping six-week spell which has seen them beaten in the Carling Cup final at Wembley, crash out of the Champions League to Barcelona and then lose an FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United.

Wolves vs. Everton
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Following last weekend's stalemate against 10-man Blackburn, there were some dissenting voices among the Gunners faithful, while on Thursday the Arsenal Supporters Trust expressed their "considerable disappointment" at recent results while pundits continue to question the manager's faith in youth.
Wenger takes his battle-weary squad up to fast-fading Blackpool on Sunday looking for a first league win since February 23 as a third successive draw left them seven points behind United, but with a match in hand ahead of their showdown at the Emirates Stadium on May 1.
The Gunners boss insists all is not yet lost, and the campaign as a whole must be put into perspective.
"It doesn't hurt me personally, but it bothers me that the players do not get the recognition for what they have put in since the start of the season," Wenger said.
"It is important we realise this team is absolutely amazing for what they do at their age. One day people will understand that, but at the moment, I am not sure many people do.
"How old is [Jack] Wilshere? 19. It looks like in England you cannot play without him. How old is [Cesc] Fabregas? How old is [Samir] Nasri?
"Now it is a crucial moment where we have to trust these players and not listen to some opinions of people who have not worked half a day in football.
"Do you know how much work, dedication and mental strength is behind a team like that?
"They have not been built just like that, it is a real process of club work, coaching work - that is not just to go out and buy a player for X amount of money.
"What is hard in football is to build a team and work with the players every day."
While Wenger can understand the frustrations of supporters, he insists time will prove his policy justified.
"People's opinion is people's opinion and we have to accept that in our game," he said.
"As long as you are second in the league, I am ready to sign for the next 20 years and stand up for that."
Wenger continued: "I believe we have done well. We have been hit very hard with big disappointments, but we have not lost in the FA Cup or the Champions League against anybody, we have lost against good teams.
"Personally, I am very proud of the attitude, the behaviour and the quality of our season. I will defend that until the end.
"We want to fight until the last game of the season.
"If there is a team that is better than us we have to accept it.
"I believe we do not have to be ashamed at the moment of what we have done.

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"Rather, I have to be proud because if I took statements from all the people here at the start of the season we were not even in the top five. Now it is a scandal we are second.
"If at the end of the season, Manchester United are better than us, we have to say congratulations.
"What is important from now until the end of the season is we give absolutely everything to beat them. That for me is success."
Wenger was visibly down following last weekend's goalless draw at home to Rovers, a performance which he described as "flat".
On Friday, however, the Gunners boss insisted he was "very up for a fight" and expects a response from his players at Bloomfield Road, where England winger Theo Walcott faces a fitness test on his ankle.
"It was a disappointing result, but we have to bounce back and come out with a good performance on Sunday," Wenger said.
"The way we respond now until the end of the season is hugely important for us because we have worked so hard since the start that is very important we battle until the end."
Wenger added: "Nobody expected Blackpool to be where they are.
"They are going through a difficult period, but overall they have played good football and done very well."

Fading Arsenal looks to stay in title race

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Updated Apr 8, 2011 4:12 PM ET
Arsenal's stuttering title challenge in the Premier League could fizzle out completely if the team fails to beat struggling Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Sunday.
The trip to the northwest seaside town will be no holiday for Arsene Wenger's second-place team, which has drawn its last three matches to hand the title initiative back to league leader Manchester United.

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"The way we respond now until the end of the season is hugely important for us because we have worked so hard since the start. It's very important we battle until the end," Wenger said.
Blackpool lost 6-0 at Arsenal in August and has won just twice in 2011 but will be fighting for its topflight survival after slipping to 17th position in the table, just a place and a point above the relegation zone.
Arsenal cannot afford another setback to its title push, with dissenting voices regarding Wenger and his young side beginning to be heard inside and outside the Emirates. The Arsenal Supporters Trust spoke of its "considerable disappointment" on Thursday at the Gunners' recent results.
"Now it's a crucial moment where we have to trust these players and not listen to some opinions of people who have not worked half a day in football," Wenger said.
United, which is seven points clear of Arsenal having played a game more, takes on Fulham at Old Trafford without suspended striker Wayne Rooney.
The England international will serve the first match of a two-game ban for swearing directly into a television camera, despite an appeal from United.
"It will bring us together - it's a plus for us," said United manager Alex Ferguson of Rooney's absence.
Ferguson will be without his in-form striker but United's recent defensive problems have eased, with center back Rio Ferdinand recovered from a calf injury and both utility defenders John O'Shea and Wes Brown fit again after hamstring problems.
The only defender out for United is right back Rafael da Silva, who hurt his knee in the 1-0 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match on Wednesday.
With the second leg on Tuesday, Ferguson must decide whether he needs to rest some of his key players.
Fourth-place Chelsea returns to domestic duty with a home match against bottom club Wigan, and is currently embroiled in a fight with Manchester City and Tottenham for a finish among the Champions League qualification places.
The reigning champions are a point behind City, with a game in hand, and five ahead of Spurs. They should be confident of success against Wigan having scored 14 goals in their last two matches against Roberto Martinez's strugglers.
"Wigan will be a very important game because they are fighting to survive and we have to be ready for them," Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
"Wigan are playing very well, didn't concede against Tottenham last weekend. It will be a different game tomorrow to our last games."
Spain striker Fernando Torres is still looking for his first goal for Chelsea after nine matches for the London club, following a high-profile transfer from Liverpool in January.

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"It's a strange moment for him but I have confidence in him," said Ancelotti, the former AC Milan coach. "And he still has confidence in himself.
"(Hernan) Crespo didn't score in his first six months at Milan. This is the life of a striker."
Ancelotti said Brazil center back Alex will be on the bench at Stamford Bridge after recovering from a knee injury.
City visits sixth-place Liverpool on Monday and Spurs host Stoke on Saturday.
At the other end of the table, seven points separate the bottom 11 teams.
Second-bottom Wolverhampton, which a point above Wigan, is at home to Everton, West Bromwich Albion visits Sunderland and third-bottom West Ham is at Bolton.
Aston Villa, which is 16th and only two points above the bottom three, hosts Newcastle on Sunday, while Birmingham travels to Blackburn in the weekend's other match.

Terry backs Ancelotti and Torres


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 11:29 AM ET
John Terry has insisted Chelsea's players are 100% behind manager Carlo Ancelotti and misfiring striker Fernando Torres.
The Blues' are in real danger of finishing a campaign without a trophy for only the second time since the Roman Abramovich revolution first saw them crowned Premier League champions in 2005.

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Sunderland vs. West Brom
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Aston Villa vs. Newcastle Liverpool vs. Man City

On the other occasion, 2008, Avram Grant was sacked as manager, giving Ancelotti genuine cause for concern about his own fate.
But ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Wigan, captain Terry gave the Italian his total backing.
"There's been no talk about changing him as far as I'm aware," he said.
"The players are 100% behind him."
The same applies to Torres, who has been branded a £50million flop after failing to score since his move from Liverpool.
The Spaniard's now-infamous drought continued in Wednesday night's 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Manchester United.
Terry said: "It's just a case of getting that first goal, getting that off your shoulders, and then you can move on.
"It must be hard as well, people carrying on talking about it.
"It must be a big weight to carry as well with the fee that he came for.
"But he knows he's good enough to play, the players certainly know he's good enough, and he's got our full support."
Torres could find himself back on the bench on Saturday if Ancelotti persists with his striker rotation policy.
Terry said: "Obviously, there's big competition up front and, with guys like Didier (Drogba) and Nico (Anelka), big rivalry.
"But, at the same time, they get on brilliantly on and off the field.
"And I think everyone wants to help him, help him settle in and get that first goal."
Chelsea are close to surrendering their Premier League title having slipped 11 points behind United, albeit with a game in hand.

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They must also make history to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night, with United having never lost a European tie after winning the first leg away from home.
Wednesday's Stamford Bridge showdown saw Chelsea denied what appeared a clear-cut stoppage-time penalty, the latest in a long line of calls to have gone against them in Europe since Abramovich bought the club eight years ago.
The decision convinced Terry that there is something more than footballing ability which is conspiring against the Blues realising their dream.
"I was saying to the lads afterwards that it's us versus everyone," Terry said.
"I think that's clear to see over the last few years.
"Only we can change that on the football field and expect nothing from anyone.
"Nothing gets given to you on a plate and it certainly won't be in this competition."

Dalglish confirms Gerrard blow


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 11:29 AM ET
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for the season but Kenny Dalglish still does not know the extent of his captain's injury.

Wolves vs. Everton
Blackburn vs. Birmingham
Bolton vs. West Ham
Chelsea vs. Wigan
Man Utd vs. Fulham
Sunderland vs. West Brom
Tottenham vs. Stoke City Blackpool vs. Arsenal
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle Liverpool vs. Man City

Gerrard returned to training a week ago after a groin operation in early March but sustained a similar but not identical injury last Friday.
He has spent the week undergoing assessment and Dalglish confirmed the worst at the club's Melwood training ground on Friday morning.
"We still don't know definitively what the problem is," said the Scot.
"We will wait to get a precise answer from the people that he has to see but he won't be involved again this season."
On Wednesday defender Daniel Agger had his campaign ended prematurely when it was confirmed he would be sidelined for at least two months with a knee tendon injury sustained in Saturday's defeat at West Brom.
Dalglish is also without right-backs Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly (both hamstring injuries) for the next month.
Dalglish added: "It is a blow to anyone but it's more disappointing for the players than it is for us, obviously.
"We just have to get on with it and without being disrespectful to the players who are injured the most important ones are the ones who are fit.
"They are the ones who can be chosen. At this particular moment in time I'm as good a player as Steven."

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• Report Abuse Abragos
  
  • 4/8/2011 8:20:29 PM
  That's terrible, when Liverpool could have really used him. I'm really hoping you guys make it to the champions league somehow next year, just not the same without seeing Liverpool in the lineup. I have a lot of faith in this Liverpool squad though, both Suarez and Caroll were excellent signings. I believe you will truly shine next year. Good luck against City on Monday, will defintley be tuning in for that one.
  
• Report Abuse dutchboy88
  
  • 4/8/2011 5:44:07 PM
  most effective. This is where we need a Pacheco , and others we loaned out, Insua .. Im fearful for Monday night. If Kenny can light a fire in the newbies than maybe we get a draw..
  
• Report Abuse dutchboy88
  
  • 4/8/2011 5:41:39 PM
  3lions,, what color is the sky in your world? Puppet club,, lmao dude thats way out there. like WAY out there. Bringing Lebron in if it works is simple Its all about marketing revenue. If that brings in more cash for purchasing players and remodeling Anfield , than hello ,, thats whats its there for. FSG is a business. Pool is one of their products. You market your product to maximise potential. Business 101. Im concerned as the midfield is anemic without SG. Meireles is not the same player nor plays in the same capacity as SG. He is more of an Attacking mid. He CANNOT command the mid field period. Lucas no way, Minnie ME shelvy aka alien oh Hellllllll no. Who then? we dont have wingers .. so who is going to move the ball into Carrol and Suarez.. Kuyt has to play right off Suarez to be
  
• Report Abuse jschwaab
  
  • 4/8/2011 3:56:37 PM
  Lions: LRMR (Lebron James marketing firm) has recently partnered with Fenway Sports group. Lebron's name is known all over the world and may very well bring a business audience with him to Liverpool's front door. He's also an investor and has become a share holder. Lebron has some very intelligent partners that will make sure he's well taken care of for the rest of his life with all the business ventures he's currently involved with. An athlete with worldwide exposure and fanbase can only benefit us as a club. Saying their a puppet club doesnat make any sense to me. They now have new owners that have already shown their going to invest and clearly have the best interests of the club in mind.
  
• Report Abuse TPink
  
  • 4/8/2011 3:23:20 PM
  I agree that SG has not added much to the statistics this year. But the big question is who will provide the drive and leadership beyond defense? Carra can fill that role w Reina. But we at times look lost in MF and forward. LFC need his leadership and drive. (That is what hurts Chelsea this season with Lamps looking flaccid). The LFC tie vs Braga is a great example. SG gave energy at times. Suarez can do it up front. Who can do it box to box in place of SG? Meireles is closest. Kuyt is better up front in that, but we'll need some performances from him.
  
• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 4/8/2011 2:12:24 PM
  "Puppet club", eh? While that term certainly applies to City and Chelsea, not here. The Lebron deal is just a mutual marketing tool for the far east, nothing more. The guy wouldn't know a PK from a DJ.
  Gerrard needs a long vacation while this season is history.
  
• Report Abuse 3lions9
  
  • 4/8/2011 12:01:26 PM
  Now that Lebron James has a share in LFC, Gerrard has had enough..I dont blame him.. LFC used to have some pride behind them in english football, now they are just a puppet club with all the shyte that has gone on in the last couple of years....I dont hate pool as much as most, I just think its sad that a rich historied club can not figure anything out
  
• Report Abuse USAfutebol
  
  • 4/8/2011 10:34:50 AM
  Liverpool just can't catch a break right now. I would say heal up at this point and come back strong next year,
  
• Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
  
  • 4/8/2011 10:27:51 AM
  Cheers Guys,
  
  88, not picking a nit, but the injury count is about the same as last year. Except this year I think it has more to do with the Manager pushing the squad for results. Since he took over the whip hasn't been put down once and I reckon it needed doing before summer.
  
  Have you guys noticed the rotation of familiar starters now not even on the sub bench? There is going to be one heck of a fire sale come the summer. As far as the "free" transfers in discussion below, nah not one is worth another look IMHO even jova and cole.
  
  With all the misdirection its hard to tell which is the player they want in the various positions mentioned. But wings, left backs and CBs and anther striker look to be on the shopping list based on all the guys we've been linked with.
  
• Report Abuse jschwaab
  
  • 4/8/2011 9:58:51 AM
  and unfortunately this season seems a wash.... So why not prepare for next year as I believe it will truly be a remarkable revolution. Heal up Captain... Next year will be your finest!!!
  

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Carroll confident of Euro hopes


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Updated Apr 8, 2011 8:21 AM ET
Andy Carroll is confident of Liverpool's European hopes, but admits Tottenham must make a mistake if the Reds are to claim fifth place.
Kenny Dalglish's side trail fifth-placed Spurs by five points and the Londoners have a match in hand, although they do still have to come to Anfield next month.

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Aston Villa vs. Newcastle Liverpool vs. Man City

Liverpool would have given themselves a much better chance of turning up the pressure had they not lost at West Brom last week but Carroll said the team have moved on from that surprise defeat.
"Everyone has been lively in training," said the £35million January signing.
"All of the lads are still confident we can get into fifth and get there (Europe).
"We just need a slip up to go for us and to keep working hard and getting three points week in, week out.
"We're looking forward to the next game against Manchester City (on Monday) now and putting West Brom behind us.
"They've got great players all-round and they've got some England boys in there that I was away with last week.
"But if we stick together like we can do, we can go out there and beat them."
Dalglish is likely to discover on Friday the extent of the groin injury sustained by captain Steven Gerrard last Friday, just as he was preparing to return to action after an operation on a similar problem.
He has already had mixed injury news this week, with centre-back Daniel Agger ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging a knee tendon at the Hawthorns and Glen Johnson sidelined for a month with a hamstring strain.
However, Fabio Aurelio has returned to training after nearly a month out with a hamstring problem while Jonjo Shelvey's recovery from a knee operation in February saw him get a run out for the reserves on Monday.
"We've had a strange week really, a 3pm kick-off at West Brom on Saturday and then a free week but the boys are still training well and preparing," said the Reds boss.
"If there is anyone with a couple of bumps and bruises then it gives them the opportunity to get rid of them and be fit, but the way our luck is going at the moment we'll probably pick something up in training on Sunday morning.
"I don't know whether it's beneficial or detrimental because after a defeat you want to get back out there and play a game as quickly as you can just to get the taste out of your mouth.
"We've not had that opportunity but we've had the opportunity of getting Jonjo Shelvey fitter with his outing for the reserves and having Fabio Aurelio back.
"The players were disappointed to lose the game at West Brom but they have trained really well, so we'll get ourselves ready and the closer we get to Monday's game the more preparation we will do."

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• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 4/8/2011 5:27:19 PM
  By God you're right, and under Royd he was one of our top scorers too!
  But I still prefer the proven duo of Suarez/Kuyt. I would seriously hate to have to defend against them.
  
• Report Abuse TPink
  
  • 4/8/2011 4:10:07 PM
  Good idea Powder! But with those lanky strides he's probable cause more pks than Krygiokos. Hey - mMaybe we should swap Carroll and put Soto up front. That is equivalent of scoring 2 goals with Soto out of our box!
  
• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 4/8/2011 2:19:34 PM
  But we're not there yet and while his words sound nice he's done nothing for us and he'd be more useful if he could play LB, letting Kuyt team with Suarez.
  
• Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
  
  • 4/8/2011 10:31:35 AM
  I have to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. First match back he was gassed at 60 min. And looked to struggle the last 10 v. the baggies. But he'll come around. And playing with Saurez is only going to help his ball skills (for those of the faithful that worry about Route 1 tactics). When this partnership can rely on some service from the wing, its going to be pretty formidable.
  

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