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Author: Ken Andrew

  • Mandonga ‘Mtu Kazi’ lives up to his words

    Karim ‘Mtu Kazi’ Mandonga put up a performance of the night showing against Kenyan Daniel Wanyonyi at the Pocket Rocket fight night at KICC. The fight was highly anticipated by the fans due to Mandonga’s smack talk. His talking attracted thousands of fans to witness the main event match up.

    The crowd and set up at the KICC

    The KICC Tsavo ballroom was packed to the rafters. Politicians, dignitaries and celebrities all came to witness Mandonga’s punch, ‘Sugunyo’. The Tanzanian praised ‘Sugunyo’, saying it was from Ukraine and had one shot knockout power.

    The first round was the only round that could have had close scoring as both boxers had good moments. From the second to the sixth, Mandonga showed his quality against a seasoned Wanyonyi. He landed more punches and showed great evasive skills. Mtu Kazi put up a clinic in the 4th, 5th and 6th rounds where almost everything he threw landed and even when Wanyonyi threw, the punches did not have enough to take out or wobble the Tanzanian.

    At the end of the sixth round, Wanyonyi was unable to return from his corner, handing Mandonga a TKO victory. For greater parts of the bout , it was one sided and even if it had gone to the judges, Mandonga should have comfortably secured the win.

    Mandonga did not disappoint

    Following the fight, the Tanzanian said he would return to Kenya in April for another fight. Fans will be awaiting his next visit as his unique character is something Kenyan boxing has lacked for a while.

    Smack talking and playing characters is something crucial in the promoting of boxing as it adds more to the fight. Following the success of this event press conferences and weigh ins should be televised in the build up to the matches.

  • Done deals in the January transfer window

    With the first week of January coming to an end, a number of sides have already announced deals to bring in new players. Clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be active in the window, looking for valuable additions to their teams.

    Will Fernandez get his move?

    Some deals have dragged out and become sagas with others just staying as rumours. The Chelsea – Benfica tussle over the transfer of Enzo Fernandez could be put on hold till next summer as Benfica do not want anything less than the $126 million release clause paid. Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk is also in danger of completely failing. Shaktar are adamant in demanding $100 million for the Ukrainian.

    Struggling Liverpool could be in the market for another defender as Virgil Van Dijk is set for a month out of action due to a hamstring injury.

    Let’s take a look at some already completed deals during this winter transfer window.

    Cody Gakpo training with Liverpool for the first time. He could feature as the Reds play Wolves in the FA Cup

    1. Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool – 5 and a half year contract
    2. Jack Butland – Crystal Palace to Man United – Loan deal till the end of the season
    3. Benoit Badiashile – Monaco to Chelsea – 7 and a half year contract
    4. David Datro Fofana – Molde to Chelsea – Unspecified
    5. Andrey Santos – Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea – 5 and a half year contract
    6. Daley Blind – Ajax to Bayern Munich – 6 month contract
    7. Max Wober – Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds United – 4 and a half year contract
    8. Kevin Schade – SC Freiburg to Brentford – 5 year contract
    9. Matheu Cunha – Atletico Madrid to Wolves – 4 and a half year contract

    Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as a Wolves player and could feature against Liverpool in the FA Cup

  • FA Cup 3rd round preview

    The FA Cup returns on Friday with 3rd round fixtures. All Premier League teams will have a fixture in this round of games with some facing each other.

    The third round kicks off with a Premier League clash as Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford. Everton will be seeking to upset a United side that has been in good form in both league and cup competitions. The Reds will look to continue their brilliant run of form at home.

    Another key clash will see Wolves host Liverpool at Molineux. Liverpool are not having the best of seasons especially after it was announced that Virgil Van Dijk will be out with a hamstring injury for a while. Liverpool face a Wolves side that has shown signs of resurgence under Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui. Besides the Champions League, the FA Cup remains Liverpool’s only other competition where they stand a chance of winning.

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will face further questions if they are unable to beat a resurgent Wolves side in the FA Cup.

    Following another defeat in the league, Southampton will look to win against Crystal Palace as they travel to London to face Patrick Viera’s side.

    The biggest tie of the round will see Chelsea visit Manchester City, setting up what will be their third clash already this season. City already knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup and will be keen on repeating the feat in their FA Cup meeting.

    Games that end in draws will go to replays. It is equally important to note that this will also happen in the fourth round.

    Select FA Cup 3rd round ties.

    Friday

    Manchester United vs Everton

    Saturday

    Crystal Palace vs Southampton

    Bournemouth vs Burnley

    Brentford vs West Ham

    Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Sunday

    Manchester City vs Chelsea

  • United move joint third as they beat Bournemouth 3-0

    Manchester United are level with third place Newcastle United on the Premier League standings after their brilliant win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford sealed the astounding 3-0 victory for the Reds.

    United now sit 4th on 36 points, level with Newcastle United and one behind Manchester City who face Chelsea on Thursday.

    Marcus Rashford continued his scoring streak, making it 4 in 4 after the World Cup. Rashford has 7  goals in the Premier League this campaign, making him United’s top scorer. He has also scored in six consecutive home games for resurgent United.

    Marcus Rashford’s celebration after getting United’s 3rd goal.

    The Reds recorded another clean sheet in last night’s match, taking their league tally to 8. The defensive improvement United has shown can be attributed to each individual defender but the work Casemiro does in front of the back four has also proven to be crucial. The Brazilian has been key in intercepting opposition passes and winning loose balls. He has also chipped in in the attacking play with two goals and two assists.

    Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal meant they dropped points thus allowing United to catch up. The Magpies have played a game more than the both the Reds and the Gunners.

    Arsenal lost the chance to go 10 points ahead of Manchester City after the stalemate at the Emirates.

    Arsenal played out a feisty 0-0 draw against Newcastle at the Emirates.

    Manchester United play Everton (H) in the FA Cup on Friday. United’s next two league games could be pivotal at the top of the table. They face Manchester City (H) on 14th of January before travelling to the Emirates on 22nd to face league leaders Arsenal.