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Leroy Sane is wary of comparing his partnership with Serge Gnabry at Bayern Munich to that of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, with any talk of following in the footsteps of ‘Robbery’ being ignored for now.

The Bundesliga champions have prided themselves on finding considerable firepower down the flanks in recent times.

Robert Lewandowski is currently the main man down the middle, but he is ably supported by a talented cast of wide men.

Kingsley Coman netted the winning goal for Bayern in the 2020 Champions League final, while Ivan Perisic has been allowed to head back to Inter at the end of a productive loan spell as his services are no longer required.

That is because Sane has been snapped up from Manchester City, with the Germany international returning to his homeland after four years in England.

He is already looking dangerous alongside fellow winger Gnabry – with the latter netting a hat-trick in an 8-0 mauling of Schalke, while the former also got on the scoresheet.

Comparisons are already being drawn with the legendary pairing of Robben and Ribery, with an iconic Frenchman telling Sport Bild: “I really like Sanabry very much!”

Sane, though, is reluctant to be drawn into that debate, with 24-year-old aware that he and Gnabry have much to prove before they can claim to stand alongside two Bayern greats.

He said: “I'm not yet going to allow comparisons with Robbery.

“The two of them shaped the club for a whole decade on a world-class level. For us, only one game in the FC Bayern jersey went really well for now.”

While eager to curb expectations at the Allianz Arena, Sane is confident that he will work well in tandem with Gnabry over a prolonged period of time.

The pair have known each other since gracing the same international youth sides, with a senior stage now offered to them on which to showcase their considerable talent.

“The contact with Serge has simply never broken off over the years,” added Sane. 

“We played together in the youth teams for the DFB. Now we still get along very well on and off the pitch.”

Bayern have a UEFA Super Cup clash with Europa League winners Sevilla to take in on Thursday, before then returning to domestic duty with a trip to Hoffenheim on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says he has been approached by some clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, but there have not been concrete offers and he “wouldn’t say no” if a lucrative contract is tabled.

The 35-year-old has spent 14 years in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), winning seven league titles as well as the Caf Champions League crown in the process.

He has also previously played in Ethiopia. His PSL time has been shared between SuperSport United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Bidvest Wits and largely at Sundowns.

But by his own admission, he could find himself bidding farewell to 'Downs if an enticing offer comes his way.

“There have been offers from the Arab countries... in the UAEs and Saudi Arabias, a lot of them,” said Onyango as per Sun Sport.

”But they haven't been concrete offers. And you can't rely on things which are not concrete. Of course, they have to talk to the club first. If the club says, ‘Look, Denis, we still want you, but you can move on.’ I wouldn't say no. After all, it's business.

”However, as a player, I'm still happy to play for Sundowns and still win many more trophies. I want to add another star to the badge. As I've said before, Sundowns have been there for me when I was not playing.

“For two years they were paying me even when I wasn't playing. If I can play and they still want me around, why not stay? It's not easy to move on from a team like Sundowns and start all over again.”

Onyango has three seasons left on his Sundowns contract after extending his deal with four-and-a half years last year.

This shows confidence in him by coach Pitso Mosimane who also handed captain 35-year-old Hlompho Kekana a new four-year earlier this year.

Onyango has established himself as one of the key senior players at Downs together with the likes of Antony Laffor and Wayne Arendse.

Frank Lampard has confirmed that Edouard Mendy is undergoing a medical at Chelsea, with the Blues closing in on the £22 million ($29m) capture of a new goalkeeper.

A move for the highly-rated Rennes keeper has been mooted for some time, with Goal confirming over the weekend that a deal had been struck.

Those at Stamford Bridge are now in the process of finalising an agreement that will see them add another shot-stopping option to their ranks.

Lampard told reporters when asked for an update on Mendy: “He is having a medical as we speak. Subject to that being okay, then he will be a Chelsea player.”

The Blues have moved to land another keeper after seeing patience wear thin when it comes to Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard remains the most expensive goalkeeper in world football, but has been struggling to live up to that billing.

Another costly error was made by the 25-year-old in his last outing against Liverpool and he is now expected to be stripped of the number one spot once again, having previously seen his place taken by Willy Caballero.

Lampard is refusing to give up on Kepa and claims a door remains open for everyone to prove their worth, but he is pleased to have added competition for places.

He added when quizzed on Kepa: “I don't know what benefits there are in the long run, football is in your hands.

“Competition is a regular thing. We have brought Mendy in for that competition. It's in everyone's hands to get into the squad.

“I think it is the hardest position, because of the individual nature of it. I have to be sympathetic to that point.

“Last year I changed a few times, it's a different thought process. We are always striving for the best performance.”

Mendy could be thrown straight into action by Chelsea.

He will miss a Carabao Cup third-round clash with Barnsley on Wednesday, with Caballero set to start that contest, but will be in contention for a Premier League trip to West Brom on Saturday.

Lampard said when asked about quarantine protocol in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic: “As far as I'm aware, as long as he passes his test with us on Thursday and if that is negative then he should be okay to play.”

Chelsea will be hoping that Mendy proves to be as successful as their last goalkeeping acquisition from Rennes, with current director Petr Cech having taken a similar career path back in 2004.

Former Orlando Pirates winger Joseph Makhanya has pleaded with the Soweto giants to be patient with forward Justin Shonga, saying the Zambian can form a “deadly” attacking combination with Frank Mhango and Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Shonga struggled for playing minutes last season and managed just 11 appearances across all competitions and did not score any goals.

This has led to rumours that the player wants a move away from Pirates, with reported interest in him coming from Portugal, Spain and Egypt.

Also being booted out of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) bio-bubble for disciplinary reasons heightened speculation about the Zambian’s Bucs future.

But Makhanya feels that Shonga can be important for Pirates if he stays, with coach Josef Zinnbauer just needing to instill confidence in his forward who has spent three seasons at the club.

“Pirates have got the material. You see Shonga, it is all about the coach having confidence in you. We have got Mabasa, we have Mhango,” Makhanya told Goal.

“It is all about giving confidence to your players and starting them also. At the endof the day you show them love and they can also respond with some good performance.

“If you check Mabasa is a different player from Mhango. Mhango is also a different player from Shonga. The three of them have different qualities which can make the attack of Orlando Pirates deadly.

“You know strikers are rare to find, you know. If you check the age of Mhango, you check the age of Mabasa, they are all players who can develop into lethal strikers. With age they can become better.

“They must never sell Shonga. He is a young man, he needs a serious talk with the coach as well as confidence from the coach and he can become right.”

The lack of an effective combination could be seen by what appears to be over-reliance on Mhango who finished the PSL season as joint top goal-scorer with Peter Shalulile on 16 goals.

Mabasa on the other hand ended the campaign with seven league goals from 22 games.

When Mhango struggled for to score especially in the PSL bio-bubble, other Pirates forwards were unable to replace the Malawian's goals output. Zakhele Lepasa, Augustine Mulenga, Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch and Kabelo Dlamini all struggled when called upon.

Express FC have continued with their transfer activities after signing defender Dennis Mugerwa from Tooro United.

“We would like to gladly announce the capture of right-back Dennis Mubuya Mugerwa who joins from Tooro United on a two-year deal,” the club confirmed on their official website.

“The 29-year-old managed two assists in the seven games he featured in while at Tooro United and before the stopover in Fort Portal, “Nesta” like he’s fondly known by his mates had a stint at Water FC from 2015 to 2019.”

Speaking after signing the new deal, Mugerwa said: “I am glad to finally join this big club, as a defender I know it’s important that me and my colleagues [at the back and going forward] we work as a unit to get good results.”

Mugerwa who becomes coach Wasswa Bbosa’s 13th signing for the upcoming season, will tussle it out with Richard Bbosa for the right-back starting berth.

On Monday, the Red Eagles also confirmed the arrival of 25-year-old attacking midfielder Ibrahim Kayiwa from Tooro United.

The other new signings at Express include goalkeepers Denis Otim and Cryspus Kusiima, right-back Richard Bbosa, midfielders Isaac Nsengiyunva, Abel Eturude, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Mahad Kakooza, Baker Sakah, Faisal Ssekyanzi, and forwards Charles Musiige and Kiragga Mustafa.

Meanwhile, Cyrus Kibande is itching to make his debut for Express in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL).

The young defender joined Express at the start of the 2019/ 2020 season from Terranova FC after a successful trial stint alongside his other teammates Frank Ssenyondo and Joshua Musoke.

In a recent interview with the club website, Kibande said on the new signings at the club: “According to me, the new recruits are not bad and I think we shall compete in the league because they are young, understand easily, talented, do what the coaches tell them to do, and disciplined.

“All in all, with them there is a big chance or a high probability of winning the trophy.”

On his targets for the new season, Kibande revealed: “First and foremost, I want to work hard and get a trophy for my team Express, secondly, I also want to join the national team level, then thirdly, I want also to be on the market, being in the papers all the time so that even if the club decides to sell me abroad, the club can, those are my targets for the upcoming season.”

Express will be keen to win their seventh Ugandan Premier League (UPL) when the new season kicks-off on October 17.

Liverpool’s deal for Thiago Alcantara and Tottenham’s re-signing of Gareth Bale show the difference between champions and “also-rans”, claims former Reds striker Stan Collymore.

Jurgen Klopp has, after taking in a relatively quiet summer transfer window, stepped up his recruitment business of late.

Spain international midfielder Thiago has been snapped up from Bayern Munich, in what is considered to be quite a coup, while Portuguese forward Diogo Jota has been prised from Wolves in a £41 million ($52m) deal.

Other notable moves had been made by others, with Wales international Bale back in the Premier League after seven years at Real Madrid.

Collymore believes title holders Liverpool are showing the rest how recruitment should be carried out, with the likes of Manchester United struggling to bolster their ranks while Chelsea are waiting on new additions to find their feet and Spurs are letting heart rule their head.

“The signings of Thiago Alcantara by Liverpool and Gareth Bale by Tottenham in the space of 24 hours last week proved one thing. That champions do things one way and those looking in do them another,” ex-Liverpool frontman Collymore told The Mirror.

“Thiago had no relationship whatsoever with Liverpool before they decided to sign him. It was just a case of Jurgen Klopp looking at his squad, looking at Thiago and saying, ‘He has what we’re missing, let’s get him in'.

“That’s completely at odds with Spurs’ move for Bale, who has only been brought back because he used to play for them.

“Yes, Bale is world class when he’s on the top of his game.

“But he only managed 20 appearances for Real Madrid last season and how many 31 year olds, however good they are or have been, will be on the radars of current or wannabe champions when they’ve barely played for a year?

“That’s why it’s a purely emotional move and one that could work but only with a fair wind. Champions don’t deal with fair winds, though, only also-rans do that.”

Collymore added on Liverpool’s capture of Thiago, with the 29-year-old snapped up on the back of a treble-winning triumph at Bayern in 2019-20: “There was never any chat of him going elsewhere, the deal just fell completely into place.

“When things aren’t going your way, potential deals come with strings attached, the agent is pimping the player out to six or seven clubs, the price keeps getting higher and, when he walks through the door, there’s a bit of an attitude as well.

“Yet there doesn’t seem to be any arrogance with Thiago, he seems quite a humble guy and he will fit in alongside Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Co with ease.

“His move to Liverpool is perfect for the player and the club.”

Thiago put in an eye-catching performance off the bench on his debut for Liverpool, with the record books already being re-written by a player who has slotted seamlessly into the fold at Anfield.

Samuel Kalu has explained the efforts of Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce to secure his signature but has reiterated his commitment to Bordeaux.

The 23-year-old winger has been with the Girondins since the summer of 2018 after signing a five-year deal with the club.

The Nigeria international has featured in more than 40 league games for the side and last season he made 20 league appearances for Jean Louis Gasset's men to help them finish 12th last season.

19-time Super Lig champions, Fenerbahce, have made an offer to the Girondins to secure the services of the winger on loan but the French club have rejected the bid. 

Kalu has featured in four league games for Bordeaux in the 2020-21 season, opening his account against Lens on Saturday.

The Super Eagles forward revealed he remains committed to the Matmut Atlantique outfit while still with the club.

“There is really nothing much to say because they [Fenerbahce] first gave an offer of a loan deal but Bordeaux rejected it, saying I was an important player to the club and they can’t allow me to go on loan again,” Kalu told AOI.

“They came again with another offer for a loan and an option to buy at the end of the season but the club is yet to reply to them.

“I’m however ready to give my best to the club; if I will remain here I am 100% committed and won’t force a move away as it remains with the club to decide that.”

Kalu will hope to play a part when Bordeaux take on Nice in their next league game on September 27.

The forward has 13 caps for the Nigeria national team since he made his debut against Libya in October 2018.

Kalu was part of the Super Eagles team that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and will be expected to play a key role for the West Africans in the Afcon qualifiers.

The 23-year-old winger is part of Nigeria’s squad that will take on Ivory Coast and Tunisia in friendly games in October.

Arturo Vidal has completed a €1 million switch to Inter from Barcelona, making his way back to Italy after a five-year absence.

Goal has learned that Vidal has committed his future to Inter through to 2022, with the option to extend his stay by an extra year included in the final agreement.

The 33-year-old has been handed a contract worth €6 million (£5.5m/$7m) per year, and will now be tasked with helping Antonio Conte's side try to wrestle the Serie A title away from Juventus.

Inter confirmed his arrival in an official statement via their website on Tuesday, which reads: "Arturo Vidal is officially an Inter player.

"The Chilean midfielder has joined Inter on a permanent deal from FC Barcelona. From today, Vidal will be on the front line for the Nerazzurri, with the same objectives as ever: fighting, giving it his all, and winning.

"He will become the sixth Chilean to play for Inter. The first was Ivan Zamorano, another born fighter. He was followed by David Pizarro, Luis Jimenez, Gary Medel and Alexis Sanchez.

"It’s confirmed. He’s arrived in Milan, and he’s a Nerazzurri player. Welcome to Inter, Arturo!"

Barcelona have communicated the final fee of €1m in their own statement, while wishing Vidal well on his next adventure at San Siro.

The Chile international enjoyed a hugely successful previous stint in Italy with Juventus between 2011 and 2015, before joining up with German champions Bayern Munich.

He spent three years at Allianz Arena before being snapped up by Barca for €20m (£18m/$23m) in the summer of 2018, and extended his run of consecutive league titles to eight during his first full campaign at Camp Nou.

That streak came to an end last season as the Blaugrana were dethroned by Real Madrid in La Liga, with a humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern compounding a miserable year for the club.

Vidal is the latest man to exit Camp Nou amid an exodus which has also seen Ivan Rakitic, Arthur, Carles Perez and Marc Cucurella leave the club, with Luis Suarez and Nelson Semedo reportedly set to follow suit having been targeted by Atletico Madrid and Wolves respectively.

Luis Suarez is facing accusations of agreeing topics in an Italian citizenship exam before taking the test, with authorities investigating events which occurred during Juventus’ pursuit of the Barcelona striker.

The Bianconeri were quick to move to the front of a transfer queue once Ronald Koeman made it clear that the experienced Uruguayan frontman no longer figured in his plans at Camp Nou.

A switch to Serie A appeared to suit all parties, with Suarez eager to remain at the very highest level as he prepares to open a new chapter in his career at the age of 33.

Juve explored the option of getting the South American an Italian passport, as he is married to a citizen of the country, meaning that he would not take up a non-EU spot in their squad.

Suarez travelled to Perugia to take the relevant tests, with the ‘B1’ assessment passed.

The Prosecutor’s Office of Perugia and the Guardia di Finanza are, however, now investigating alleged irregularities in that process.

Part of their remit is to look into crimes of “secrets and false ideology in public documents”.

Suarez is accused of agreeing topics ahead of his exam, allowing the result to be predetermined.

A statement from the relevant authorities read: “During the investigations, irregularities emerged in the exam taken by Luis Suarez to obtain the Italian citizenship.

“From the investigative activities it emerged that the topics covered by the exam had been agreed in advance and that the score had been assigned before the exam, and that the candidate had demonstrated only an elementary knowledge of the Italian language.

“Today the financial police are carrying out documentary acquisitions at the University of Perugia aimed at confirming the conduct described and notifying for crimes of disclosure of office secrets, ideological falsehood committed by public officials and more.”

As Suarez falls under the spotlight in Italy, Juve have shelved their interest in securing his signature and moved on to other targets.

Roma striker Edin Dzeko was sought out at one stage, before sights settled on the familiar face of Alvaro Morata.

The Spain international is undergoing medical checks in Turin ahead of a switch from Atletico Madrid, having previously spent two years with the Bianconeri between 2014 and 2016, with it possible that his place at Wanda Metropolitano could now be filled by Suarez.

Newly-appointed Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has revealed he wanted to join the Soweto giants upon his return from Europe in 2006. 

According to Sheppard, the Soweto giants didn't have a place for him at the time and that's when Mamelodi Sundowns offered him a contract to be part of Gordon Igesund's league-winning team.  

Nonetheless, he's pleased that he has finally gotten the opportunity to work for Amakhosi albeit on a different role than he initially hoped for.  

"In 2006 when I came back from Europe, I wanted to sign for Kaizer Chiefs. Unfortunately, at the time, they didn't have a spot for me that's why I went to join another club (Sundowns)," Sheppard said on SA FM.  

"But I'm here now, it's a huge opportunity for me as a coach," he said. 

Sheppard intends to learn as much as possible and grow as a coach but admits there's a lot of work to be done given the challenges Amakhosi are currently facing. 

"It's an honour and a privilege to be here. It's a chance to learn and grow and we know the challenges; a big club like Chiefs deserves and wants to win trophies and hopefully, we can contribute towards that," continued Sheppard. 

"I'm so pleased to be part of this huge institution and I'm grateful to the chairman for making it possible. There's a lot of work that needs to be done now and we must put our heads down and do the hard work," revealed the former Bafana Bafana midfielder. 

The 41-year-old mentor also spoke about his relationship with first-team coach Gavin Hunt which goes back to the late '90s when he first burst into the professional scenes.

Hunt handed Sheppard his professional debut at Seven Stars and again signed him for Bidvest Wits when he was in the twilight of his career seven years ago. 

Furthermore, it was Hunt who roped in Sheppard as one of his assistants at Wits before encouraging him to go work with the club's under-17 team. 

When Wits sold their PSL status, Sheppard was their MDC head coach - the role he will still occupy at Chiefs alongside Arthur Zwane while working closely with Hunt in the first-team for the next three seasons. 

"Gavin Hunt gave me my debut at Seven Stars in 1998. He also brought me to Wits when I was 36 and we won the league and MTN8. He also gave me the opportunity to join as an assistant and we won the Telkom Knockout Cup. He advised me to take up an under-17 coaching role," added Sheppard. 

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has joined the chorus of those asking the government to rescind their decision of extending the ban on contact sports until further notice.

The former Mathare United and Tusker tactician believes by extending the ban, footballers in the country will continue to suffer and it will also have a major impact on the performance of the national team in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We understand the pandemic has brought with it a crisis in sports and other fields,” Kimanzi is quoted by Nation Sports. “But if we plan properly, and with guidance from the government, then it is possible to play football.

“Staying for six months without playing is a long period for any professional footballer.

“We have important engagements lined up and as it stands we need at least a month to prepare for them. I am not sure if our foreign-based players will be allowed to come here and play.”

Harambee Stars are due to face Comoros in a double-header of Afcon on November 9 and 17 and they had also planned a friendly against Zambia in Nairobi on October 10.

On Friday, the government through the Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed extended the ban on contact sports, including football, with only non-contact sport allowed to resume after months of suspension owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but in a phased manner.

In March this year, the government banned social gatherings, including sports as one of the moves aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa was the first to raise concern after the announcement and went further to plead with the authorities to reconsider the move.

“It was a strange decision and as FKF we are now left frustrated,” Mwendwa told Goal on Saturday. “I still don’t understand why we cannot play football in the country whereas politicians are moving recklessly around attracting huge crowds which are not even adhering to the laid down laws of Covid-19.

“I am yet to understand why the government took such a decision when we even wrote to them a week ago asking they allow teams to start preparations for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) new season, it is a move which I cannot explain and I don’t understand.”

Others who have raised their concerns include top KPL clubs and the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (Kefwa) who also sent a passionate plea to the Ministry of Sports to allow football activities to resume in the country.

Kenya started their campaign for the 2021 Afcon, to be held in Cameroon, with an impressive 1-1 draw away to Egypt. They followed it up with another draw, by the same margin, in Nairobi against Togo.

In Group G, Comoros, who started their campaign with a 1-0 win against Togo before settling for a goalless draw against the Pharaohs, lead with four points.

John Barnes admits Sadio Mane is capable of following in his footsteps and becoming a “god” at Liverpool, but only if he sticks around at Anfield and does not follow the lead of Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez.

Former Reds star Jamie Carragher has suggested that a Senegalese forward can secure a standing as an all-time great on Merseyside.

He has told Sky Sports: “We love John Barnes, we’ve played with Barnes. He was always in Liverpool’s best-ever 11, wide-left. I think when Mane finishes, that is a serious discussion, and I cannot believe I’m saying it because John Barnes for me is like a god.

“But what that man has done since he’s come to Liverpool, he’s going to be really pushing John Barnes.”

Barnes spent 10 years with Liverpool between 1987 and 1997, taking in 403 appearances while registering 106 goals and winning two league titles.

Mane has seen 173 games across four seasons, finding the target on 83 occasions, and is now a Champions League and Premier League title winner.

He is well on course to become an iconic figure for the Reds, but Barnes says he must stay put in order for his true value to be recognised – with other star turns before him having left before cementing their legacy.

Barnes told talkSPORT on what Mane can do to emulate him: “Well, he’ll definitely be slimmer than me, I can tell you that.

“Mane has been fantastic, of course. What he’s done in the time he’s been here has been absolutely sensational.

“But, as we saw with Fernandes Torres and Luis Suarez, if he leaves this season or at the end of the season after being here for four years, you can’t compare them.

“If they stay there over a period of time, then you can compare him to any great player from the past.

“Mane has been great, but all three of them have been great, [Mohamed] Salah as well and, for me, [Roberto] Firmino still is my favourite player as he links it all together.”

Mane netted a match-winning brace against Chelsea in his most recent outing, while Liverpool will be back in action on Thursday when facing Lincoln in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Uganda coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed his side will miss up to four foreign-based players when they launch their campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan in November.

The Cranes will return to action with a double-header against South Sudan and coach Johnathan McKinstry had admitted with travel restrictions currently being experienced in various countries owing to the coronavirus pandemic, he will not have his full squad especially foreign-based players.

“We have already highlighted the travel restrictions in place and four of our foreign-based players are likely not to join us,” McKinstry told Fufa website.

“The squad will be 70% composed of foreign-based players with the rest coming from the local league. But like I said, with travel restrictions when we fail to get some, there must be other options especially from our league. Equally, this in the long run will definitely help our local legion as we plan for Chan.”

Asked whether he will stick to the squad he named before Covid-19 struck forcing the cancellation of competitions, McKinstry said: “Definitely, we still have them in our considerations and it will depend on their availability.

“But the situation in March is not the situation now. For example, we did not call Farouk Miya in March because he was out injured but he came back strong and ended the season well with his club in Turkey and he has also started the new season with them. You look at players like Derrick [Nsibambi] in Egypt. It is very important that they are getting playing time week in week out.”

McKinstry has also admitted he is impressed with how a number of Uganda players have commanded starting roles at their respective clubs in Europe.

“We always tell our players that when they go outside, they have gone to compete at the highest level,” McKinstry continued: “Obviously, it takes time to settle in a new environment like it was the case with Miya in Belgium but he showed commitment and is now doing well.

“When you look at 10 years ago, we only had a few players commanding playing time but that has over the years changed and it is very pleasing that we see many of them playing regularly.”

McKinstry also explained why it was important for Uganda to claim maximum points against South Sudan by stating: “It’s all about qualifying and the fact that we have qualified for the last two editions, obviously the minimum should be getting back and go a step better.

“We definitely have the chance to qualify as soon as we can but we will not take things for granted.”

On what he was doing during the lockdown period, McKinstry explained: “In the last couple of months, myself and the coaching team, we have really dug deep in terms of the game module, looked into what we want to do for the team, every position and the players we have now but also the players for the next few years.

“That sort of conveyor belt of talent, who we expect to step up in the near future. Therefore, in the last months, we have been able to put in place some good plans. Whereas it’s been a frustrating period for most of the people but ultimately, we have been able to use it effectively and we are better prepared than before.”

Uganda – like other nations – will have to honour the World Cup and their Afcon qualification matches in a condensed calendar late in the year and in 2021.

The record Cecafa champions are also set to participate in the African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament to be staged in Cameroon.

Dele Alli would be "fantastic" at Paris Saint-Germain, according to Darren Bent, who has urged the Tottenham star to link up with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at Parc des Princes after losing Jose Mourinho's trust.

Alli's future at Spurs has been called into question at the start of the 2020-21 season.

The England international was substituted at half-time during an opening weekend loss to Everton, before being omitted from Mourinho's squad completely in a Europa League qualifying win at Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

He was also left out of Sunday's thrilling 5-2 victory over Southampton, with the Portuguese boss explaining pre-match that he has "too many players" to choose from and the midfielder is "paying the price".

PSG have been heavily linked with a move for Alli in recent days, and Mourinho addressed ongoing speculation after watching his side pick up their first three points of the new Premier League campaign.

"I'm not responsible for the market," said the Tottenham boss. "The same way a squad is a puzzle and in the same way so is the bench. I cannot have three wingers and a No 10 and then no defender."

Bent thinks that playing alongside a whole host of world-class players at Parc des Princes would help Alli reach the next level in his career, having seen his development stall at Spurs following a promising start under Mauricio Pochettino.

“It would be superb for him. We know the French league is not as competitive as the Premier League," the ex-Tottenham striker told talkSPORT of Alli's proposed move to PSG.

“But when you go and play with players like Mbappe, Neymar, [Marco] Verratti, it’s automatically going to lift his levels and make him a better player.

“A change of scenery could do him the world of good and going to that club, he’d be fantastic there.”

Alli now finds himself way down the pecking order at Tottenham, with Bent of the opinion that the talented 24-year-old is being overlooked due to his perceived sluggish work-rate in the middle of the pitch.

“Looking at Spurs’ squad, you cannot tell me that Dele Alli isn’t better than Harry Winks, [Eric] Lamela, even [Moussa] Sissoko," he added.

“You know how Mourinho wants you – hard-working, up and down – and that’s not really Dele Alli’s game.

“I look at Dele Alli as a Frank Lampard-type midfielder. I’m not saying he’s as good as Frank, but he gets in the box, gets on the end of crosses, does those late drives into the box – he gets goals.

“For whatever reason, he can’t seem to find that form. But to say he’s got all these players and can’t find a spot for Dele Alli is a farce.

“Dele Alli is better than some of those players he’s got in the squad, but I think it comes down to trust. Right now, Mourinho trusts Winks and Sissoko a lot more than he trusts Dele Alli.”

Gor Mahia new signing Jules Ulimwengu has revealed why he opted to sign for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

K’Ogalo managed to beat rivals AFC Leopards to the services of the 21-year-old forward after they unveiled him on Friday on a two-year contract from Rwanda giants Rayon Sports.

Gor Mahia have been desperate to land the forward after the departure of Francis Afriyie, Gnamien Yikpe, Juma Balinya, and Boniface Omondi, all in one year.

Ulinwengu, who managed to score 12 goals for Rayon last season, has now revealed why it was easy for him to settle for the transfer to Gor Mahia.

“It was a long journey and difficult to make it from Rwanda but I want to thank God I arrived safely, and my main target in Kenya is to work with my colleagues to make sure Gor Mahia retains the league title and leaves a good mark in the Caf Caf Champions League,” Ulimwengu told Gor Mahia TV.

“I don’t think I have a difficult task playing for this club, I am not alone, we have other quality players in this team and I know God will help us to achieve our target.

“Gor Mahia is big a team, I have been following them while in Rwanda and I knew I was coming to a big club and that is why I did not hesitate to sign for them, I will now have to work hard every day in training to make sure I cement my position in the club, I am happy to be at Gor Mahia.”

Apart from turning out for Burundi national team, the center-forward has previously played for a number of clubs in Africa including Vital’O FC, LLB Sports 4 Africa FC, Sunrise FC, and recently Rayon Sports of Rwanda.

After losing five players – Joash Onyango to Simba SC of Tanzania, David Mapigano to Azam FC, Dickson Ambundo to Dodoma Jiji, Omondi, and keeper Peter Odhiambo to Wazito FC – Gor Mahia have been actively involved in the current transfer window.

Some of the new signings at Gor Mahia include Andrew Malisero Numero from Malawi, Benson Omalla, midfielder Sydney Ochieng, goalkeeper Samuel Njau, and defender Wesonga from Western Stima, Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor, John Macharia, and John Ochieng from Chemelil Sugar.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia are still set to lose more players with Sofapaka confirming they are in talks to sign Lawrence Juma, while defender Charles Momanyi is yet to renew his contract and is being linked with a move to KCB.

Another player, Jackson Owusu, left for his native Ghana and is yet to confirm whether he will return ahead of the new season.

Juventus welcomed Alvaro Morata back to Turin ahead of the forward's expected return to the Serie A champions.

Goal can confirm Morata is set to join Juve on loan from Atletico Madrid in a deal that will cost €9 million (£8m/$11m) and the Italian club will also apparently have an option to buy the 27-year-old for €45m.

Juventus, who have been searching for a forward, welcomed Morata back as he landed in Turin.

"@AlvaroMorata is back in town!" the club wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of the forward.

Morata is set for his second spell at Juve, where he scored 27 goals in 93 games across two seasons between 2014 and 2016.

He then returned to Real Madrid for a season before joining Chelsea and later Atletico, where he netted 12 La Liga goals in 34 games last season.

With Gonzalo Higuain having left to join Inter Miami, Juve had been linked with the likes of Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Roma's Edin Dzeko.

Juventus had reached an agreement to sign Dzeko , but that deal was complicated by Roma's desire to sign Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik as a replacement.

Suarez had travelled to Italy to try and complete a move after agreeing a €10 million (£9m/$12m) contract , but sporting director Fabio Paratici has confirmed that deal won't go ahead .

Instead, Andrea Pirlo will welcome back his former team-mate Morata as the forward returns to familiar surroundings in his much-travelled career.

Morata's move could pave the way for Suarez, 33, to join Atletico.

Juve have won nine consecutive Serie A titles and opened their campaign under Andrea Pirlo with a 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Old Lady have a tough set of fixtures to come in the league as they travel to Roma on Saturday, before welcoming Napoli to Juventus Stadium on October 4.

While Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature in both games, Pirlo has admitted the Portuguese attacker will be rested at times during the season.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says he feels no pressure to replace David Silva's production as he insists that he cannot recreate the Spanish star's brilliance.

Silva's decade-long stay with the club ended this summer, with the Spaniard making the move to Real Sociedad after playing 436 games for Manchester City.

Manchester City have not signed a direct replacement for Silva, with youngster Phil Foden earmarked as a player that can step in to the Spain star's attacking midfield role.

But De Bruyne, who equalled Thierry Henry's assist record last season , is also a player that has been tasked with stepping into a different role in the attacking end in Silva's absence.

The Belgian star, though, doesn't see it that way, as he doesn't believe there's a real way to truly replace the former City star.

"David Silva was an incredible player for us. I cannot recreate what David does," De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

"I have to help my team the way I always try to do. Everybody has to play out their own quality.

"Of course it will be difficult because David was the master of tight spaces but I think we have people who can do the job. He will obviously be a miss inside and outside the pitch.

He added: "I think [my position] depends on the way the other team play. Wolves play with a back three so the manager wanted to push them high and play secure with the two defensive midfielders. We have so many attacking players so I can slot them in and they can do the rest."

De Bruyne began the Premier League season in fine form on Monday, leading City to a 3-1 victory over Wolves. 

The Belgian scored a goal, provided an assist and drew a penalty in the victory, following a 13-goal and 20-assist campaign last time out.

After the match, De Bruyne played down his hot start, insisting that he isn't concerned with surpassing Henry's assist record nor putting up lofty goalscoring numbers.

"I would prefer to have five goals and five assists and go away with the title," he said. "You can contribute a lot in different ways.

"I'm a midfielder but I know these days it's a lot about statistics. I need to contribute in one way or another so that's what i'm trying to do."

Following Monday's win, Manchester City will now look ahead to a Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth on Thursday before a match against Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League.