Pele: Pele, 65, was so angry with a school classmate who dreamed up his nickname that he punched him, the soccer great recalled yesterday. "Pele isn't my real name," the Brazilian said. "My name is Edson. I didn't come up with Pele myself. I didn't want the name. Pele sounds like baby-talk in Portuguese. Edson sounds like Thomas Edison, the man who invented the light bulb. But a classmate wanted to anger me with the name Pele. I flipped out when he called me that. I punched him... I was actually a good student and wouldn't hurt a fly. But for the punch I got suspended from school for two days."

Last one of 2005: Zimbabwe and neighbours Zambia drew 1-1 in the last international of 2005 played in Harare on Saturday. The game formed part of both countries' preparations for this month's African Nations Cup finals in Egypt. Both sides now head to France for pre-Nations Cup training camps.

Morocco: Mohammed Fakhir was named Morocco coach to replace sacked Frenchman Philippe Troussier, the national federation (FRMF) said. Troussier, who coached South Africa and Japan at successive World Cups, was sacked on Friday after two months in charge. The 52-year-old Fakhir steered Moroccan club Royal Armed Forces (FAR) to victory in the African Confederation Cup last month.

Van Bommel: Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel has received the all-clear from Barcelona's medical team and is keen to get back in action in the King's Cup last-16 match against third division Zamora tomorrow. The 28-year-old international sustained the injury early last month while training with the Dutch national squad for a friendly against Italy. Fears that he had torn the ligaments in his left ankle were allayed after tests carried out by Barcelona medical staff showed the damage was more limited.

Arsenal: Arsenal will ask the Ivory Coast to delay the departure of defenders Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue by nine days for this month's African Nations Cup. The Arsenal pair were due to leave for the tournament in Egypt on Friday although it does not begin until January 20. "I will ask permission for them to leave later," said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. "They start on Jan. 20 so I would hope for them to leave on the 15th. We want them for the Middlesbrough game (Saturday, 14)."

Adriano: Adriano wants to succeed Ronaldinho as Player of the Year. "I know that I am in a position to aspire to these trophies," said the Inter player who finished fifth in the FIFA rankings. "I strain to improve with every game, as I know people expect a lot from me."