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Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu has taken to the streets to spread awareness on the reality of the coronavirus in Nigeria.

The virus spread to the West African country in March which made the government enforce a total lockdown on three of the most affected states in the country, Lagos, Abuja and Ogun.

The lockdown was partially eased in May to save the economy but maintain a ban on the gathering of more than 20 people.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a number of guidelines including wearing of face mask, regular hand washing and observing social distancing.

In Nigeria, more than 600 lives have been lost to the virus and recently, two-time governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi and commissioner of health in Ondo State Wahab Adegbenro died from Covid-19 complications.

29,286 cases have been confirmed in the West African country while 11,828 persons have recovered from the pandemic.

Kanu emphasized the guideline issued by WHO to avoid the further spread of the virus and assured his countrymen that the virus is real.

“Covid-19 is real and I and my Covid-19 team went out on the streets to create awareness and educate people on what to do,” Kanu posted on Instagram.

“The number of people having it is increasing every day and people have to start doing what is right by the washing of hands regularly and using face masks always and keeping social distancing all the time.

“We will go everywhere to make them aware and do the right thing. Giving back, support and helping, Covid-19 in Nigeria is real, let everyone all come and do their bit and use whatever to help with this fight.”

Kanu had 87 caps for the Super Eagles and played for Arsenal, Inter Milan, Ajax, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth before his retirement.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier looks likely to return unopposed as no official has shown interest to contest the position during the much-awaited elections set for August 8.

The Kenyan champions are set to conduct the polls using the electronic online voting system after the government extended the curfew of sporting activities and social gatherings for another 30 days on Monday.

According to a list of aspirants published by the club’s official website, Rachier, who has been in charge of the club for the last 16 years, is still unopposed going into the exercise.

Former treasurer Sally Bolo, who now wants to contest for the vice-chairman post will face off with Francis Wasuna, Ronald Ngala will go for the secretary-general post alongside Sam Ochola, while the honorary treasurer post has attracted aspirants such as Judith Nyangi, Chrisphine Okoth, Dolfina Onduto and Victor Mbaka.

On Tuesday, the club confirmed that they had closed the membership drive ahead of the exercise to pick new officials.

Only four positions will be contested during the polls that will be done under the club’s new constitution which was changed to comply with the Sports Act 2013, which directs that only three officials are mandated to run the affairs of the club.

In an earlier interview, Rachier confirmed his interest to defend his seat has the blessing of his family. In 2019, Rachier said he would be leaving the club but after a change of mind, the veteran administrator revealed he talked with his family members and sought permission to contest the August 8 elections.

“I have spoken with my family and they have told me Gor Mahia are important and that I should stick a little bit around then I can leave later on,” Rachier told Radio Jambo.

“We have had successful family negotiations and I have their blessings to contest again. They have given me permission just to steady the boat. Not all family members have agreed to this but those who supported the move told me to go for just one term.

"Gor Mahia are not a monarch and I welcome other people to come and challenge me in the ballot.”

Gor Mahia were declared Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions and will represent the country in the Caf Champions League next season.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela has declared himself “healthy and well” but says “nothing concrete” has come up in his search for a new team.

Just four months into his Cape Town City contract, Mayambela parted ways with the Citizens in February.

It is now four months without a club for the midfielder who says he has not struggled for a living during the period he had spent without a salary.

“Not really, it hasn't been difficult [surviving without a salary] at all,” Mayambela told Sowetan Live.

"And also, it is a decision that I took after leaving Cape Town City, I decided that I will stay without a club until the end of the season. Then I can start pre-season with the new team. So, I'm good and I'm healthy and everything is well.”

The coronavirus pandemic could have ruined plans for Mayambela who had anticipated that by now he would be having a new club had the current season not been suspended.

He describes the current situation as “bizarre” and reveals that he has been involved in discussions with some clubs but nothing has materialised from the discussions.

The former Ajax Cape Town man has, however, not revealed if the teams he has been in contact with are Premier Soccer League (PSL) or GladAfrica Championship sides.

“No doubt we are in a bizarre situation whereby nothing is confirmed. I think it's important for everyone to be safe with the current situation,” said Mayambela.

“I have been engaging with other teams, but there is nothing concrete yet... I’ve also realised that a lot of teams have taken a strain financially, I have heard stories of players being paid half salaries. I know that financially, it has killed a lot of teams; I have been getting calls also from players telling me about their situations in their teams.”

Mayambela’s stint at Cape Town City was largely unsuccessful with the midfielder making just six appearances in all competitions.

Joseph Malongoane’s manager Paul Moraka has revealed three clubs are after the signature of the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder who left the Soweto giants last week.

The midfielder parted ways with Chiefs together with fellow linkmen George Maluleka and Kabelo Mahlasela following the expiry of their contracts on June 30.

Moraka says Malongoane is already a sought after man and without mentioning the clubs, the manager hinted at the player finding a new home soon.

While the former Orlando Pirates star has since moved on, his camp, however, appears unhappy with the manner in which Chiefs announced his departure.

“Nothing has been communicated to him [by Chiefs], we only read about it in newspapers. But already we have about three offers. I'll make sure he gets employment. But for now, we must finish everything with Chiefs,” Moraka told Sowetan Live.

The past two seasons have seen Malongoane being injury-blighted which deprived him of game time before he was released by Chiefs.

Last season he made just two appearances in all competitions, before failing to play a single match this term, prompting Chiefs not to give him a new deal.

The persistent injury sustained in August 2018, at one stage, fanned rumours that the player was to go into early retirement because of the injury.

Moraka, however, insists that Malongoane is far from hanging his boots.

"He's not going to retire. He still has four or five years of football in his body," said Moraka.

"Medically, he's been cleared... he's been training. He's been making pound-for-pound tackles. It was going to be a medical retirement but based on what the doctors said he's ready to play. He's 100 percent ready to play football, he's been in the playing squad this season. The boy is raring to go.”

It is yet to be seen if Malongoane will reclaim his old form which also saw him play for Orlando Pirates when he finally signs for a new club.

Barcelona have been cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) of committing fraud when they signed Neymar from Santos.

Neymar left the Brazilian side to join Barca in 2013, but the deal has been mired in controversy ever since.

The Catalan side claimed they signed the Brazil star from Santos for €17 million, though it was later revealed that the total fee paid came to around €83m, with Barca making payments to the player’s private company and directly to his father.

Santos appealed to CAS claiming they were owed over €61m (£55m/$69m) in compensation but the court has ruled in the reigning Spanish champions’ favour, insisting they did not act illegally when they came to the agreement with the attacker.

A statement from Barcelona read: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed the appeal made by Santos to FIFA in which the Brazilian club claimed a payment of €61,295,000 in damages from FC Barcelona and the corresponding sporting bans with regards to the transfer of Neymar Jr.

"The CAS considers that the contract between Santos and the player was ended by mutual agreement, that FC Barcelona did not infringe any transfer agreement when it paid additional amounts to the father of the player and to the N&N company and that FC Barcelona did not behave in a fraudulent manner when it signed a pre-contract with Neymar Jr, nor when it signed a transfer agreement with Santos.

"The CAS verdict compels Santos to pay FC Barcelona's legal costs, a figure of 20,000 Swiss francs."

Neymar spent four years with the Camp Nou outfit and scored 105 goals in over 180 appearances in all competitions as he won two league titles as well as a Champions League crown and the Club World Cup with the club.

He left to join Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking €222m (£201m/$250m) deal in 2017, though he has been consistently linked with a return to Spain ever since.

However, this week Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu this week ruled out the possibility of his side bringing the 28-year-old back any time soon because of the financial blow they suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Asante Kotoko board member Yaw Adu has disclosed the club are in no hurry to appoint a new chief executive officer (CEO) despite being under pressure to do so.

The Kumasi-based club has been without a CEO following the exit of George Amoakoh following the constitution of a new board in May.

Adu was recently reported to have been handed the big office, days after renowned administrator Nana Yaw Amponsah was heavily linked to the role.

“We will not rush in doing things," Adu told Kumasi FM.

"The media is speculating and giving so much pressure to the board. We have to make sure all structures are in place and all conditions are favourable for him.

“We will give him our policies for him to run the club with, and also take charge of the day-to-day running of the club.

“We have to make sure everything is put in the right place. Kotoko is too big a club to be run by an individual. The highest decision body will be the board. We are not relying on the chief executive officer.

“We are not in a hurry to appoint. We have to take things slowly, take our time to do the right thing at the right time."

Kotoko's new board is led by Kwame Kyei, who has been at the helm of affairs for the last three years.

Nine members of the set-up were announced in May, while three more others were added last month.

Jude Arthur (Board Chairman for Ghana Commercial Bank), Kwadwo Boateng Gyamfi (Board Chairman Ghana EXIM Bank), Kwasi Osei Ofori (Chairman Erdmark Group/CEO, Rocksure Mining Ltd), Lawyer Kwamina Mensah (Corporate Lawyer), Alhaji Lamine (Businessman), Joseph Yaw Adu (Retired Director of Sports at Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology), Baffour Kwame Kusi (Otumfuo's Ankobeahene), and Evelyn Nsiah Asare (Acting Head of Sports at Sunyani Technical University) complete the initial list announced.

Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey (CEO, Lexta Ghana Ltd), James Osei Brown (CEO, Joshob Construction Ltd) and Kofi Amoah Abban (CEO, Rigworld Group) are the extra additions.

Kotoko are arguably Ghana's biggest club and the most successful in the history of the Premier League with 23 titles.

The last of their trophies came in 2014. The side has also won the Ghana FA Cup on nine occasions and the Super Cup three times.

On the continental level, they ruled Africa in 1970 and 1983.

Bloemfontein Celtic have announced midfielder Given Mashikinya has fully recovered from Covid-19 after he was diagnosed with the virus a few weeks ago.

The Phunya Sele Sele campaigner has also confirmed that he was quarantined for 14 days and has also thanked the club's supporters for their support.

Formerly on the books of Cape Town City, the 29-year-old player says he is feeling fresh and itching to get back to action for the Free State-based outfit.

“I recently tested positive for Covid-19 and they put me in isolation for 14 days. Mine was a bit different because I had no symptoms, so in simple terms, I was not sick,” said Mashikinya on the club's Twitter page.

“[Nonetheless] I had to do the protocol and be quarantined for 14 days.

“I’d like to urge everyone to wash their hands on a daily basis for 20 seconds, wear your masks, use your sanitizers and, if you can, use your gloves and stay at home.

“I would like to thank the family of Siwelele; I want to thank my family; I want to thank everybody that prayed for me, and everybody that supported me and sent me messages. Most of all, I want to thank God for being there every second, minute, and hour.

“I came back to work, I feel fresh and, as I said, I had no symptoms so I can’t say I’ve recovered because I was not sick. So thank you for everything, Hela Yalo Masele.”

Although Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshari became the first player in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to suffer from the virus, Portugal-based Sphephelo Sithole was the first South African player recorded to be infected with the coronavirus in early May.

Both players have since recovered whilst  Sport24 has reported three Stellenbosch staff members tested positive for the virus.

As things stand, the South African government has given the go-ahead for PSL clubs to return to training on the field of play but it remains unclear as to when the 2019/20 season could return to action after the season was suspended in March.

Belgian First Division A club Oostende have announced the departure of Joseph Akpala following the expiration of his contract.

The Super Eagles striker returned to the Versluys Arena outfit last summer, signing a year deal which ran out in June.

The 33-year-old forward only made seven appearances across all competitions for Alexander Blessin’s men last season due to injury problems.

The Kustboys revealed the Nigeria international’s contract will not be renewed along with Hasan Ozkan while Priestley Farquharson has also been released.

“Striker Joseph Akpala is not offered a new contract and is therefore again a free player,” read a statement from the club website.

“We thank 'Joske' for his boundless efforts and excellent mentality and wish him every success in the further course of his career.

“His contract with KVO ran until June 30 but was extended until last Saturday. Then he played in the friendly match against Varsenare, but now the collaboration ends.

“The contract of Hasan Ozkan is not renewed, Anton Tanghe and Jordy Schelfhout are still training. The trial period of defender Priestley Farquharson is over, he also leaves KVO."

Akpala made 62 league appearances in his first spell with the side, scoring 12 goals between 2015 and 2018 before leaving to join Al-Faisaly.

The forward started his career with Pepsi Football Academy in Lagos before joining Bendel Insurance, where he signed his first professional contract.

He departed the shores of Nigeria to team up with Sporting Charleroi in Belgium in 2006 before signing for rival side Club Brugge two years later.

The striker moved to Turkey in 2014 to team up with Super Lig club Karabukspor, where he managed to score seven goals in 25 league appearances during his one-year stay before signing for Oostende.

Akpala has represented Nigeria 13 times and will hope to secure a new club before the start of the 2020-21 season.

SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has confirmed the club will extend the contracts of Clayton Daniels and Siyabonga Nhlapo. 

While Daniels is in the twilight of his career, Tembo feels he still has a big role to play, especially to the younger players at the club.

The 35-year-old defender has been with Matsatsantsa for six seasons, and Tembo values his experience and contribution to the club. 

"Clayton has been a warrior for the club. He's got an option and we are exercising it. The same applies to Siya [Siyabonga Nhlapo] as well, because they still have a huge role to play in the team," Tembo told the South Africa Football Journalists Association.

"We've got young players like Luke Fleurs, who's only 19, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe who is Botswana national team captain and is only 22."

"So, you can see we've got young players who have already been playing, but at the same time, you need to have a strong backbone, in order to guide those youngsters.

"Clayton plays a huge role, and we feel that we still need him because he can still play as well," added Tembo.

Since his arrival at the Tshwane giants, Daniels has played 184 matches across all competitions. 

He has also scored a few important goals for the club during that period - 14 to be exact despite being a defender. 

Daniels was instrumental as Matsatsantsa reached the final of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2017. 

He was equally impressive in the four major trophies SuperSport United won over the past four seasons. 

Nhlapo, on the other hand, arrived from Bidvest Wits in 2017 and has proven to be an asset to the club over the last three years. 

His contract with Matsatsantsa expired on June 30 but the club decided to offer him a short term deal until the end of the season while discussing his long-term deal at the club. 

It's unclear, at this stage, how long both Daniels and Nhlapo will sign for. 

Tembo is also expected to sign a few more players to bolster the squad after losing Dean Furman in midfield.   

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has ruled out Moussa Djenepo and Boufal from their Premier League game against Everton on Thursday.

Djenepo returned to the Saint’s squad, making the substitute bench, in their shocking win against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Mali international was handed a three-match ban after he was shown a red card in his side’s defeat against Newcastle United back in March before the outbreak of the coronavirus which forced the Premier League into a hiatus.

Subsequently, the 22-year-old midfielder missed the Saints victories against Norwich and Watford as well as their defeat to Arsenal.

Hasenhuttl has confirmed the former Standard Liege star has suffered an injury and will not be available for selection when they face the Toffees at Goodison Park.

“We have another injury with Moussa, which is not a coincidence for a player who has had a longer time off with a suspension,” Hasenhuttl told the club website.

“He’s had less training and games and sometimes this can lead to injuries during an intense programme like this.

“We have a few injuries, but I cannot say how many changes I will have to make. At the moment they’re all a little bit tired, but tomorrow we will look and decide who is and isn’t available to play.”

Morocco international Boufal, meanwhile, will also not be part of the game as he is yet to recover from his injury problems.

“Jannik [Vestergaard] will not make it with his quad injury, Sofiane [Boufal] is also still out and Yan Valery has a muscle injury still. Pierre [Højbjerg] is an option and could possibly make the bench.”

Boufal last featured for the Saints against Norwich City on June 19 and has made 25 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.

The 26-year-old winger will hope to return to action along with Djenepo when Southampton take on Manchester United on July 13.

Arsenal are looking to tie up a permanent deal for Dani Ceballos, but Charlie Nicholas says the on-loan Real Madrid star remains “unpredictable” and the Gunners are still “not right” defensively as a collective.

Mikel Arteta has expressed a desire to keep a player who was snapped up on a season-long agreement by his predecessor Unai Emery at Emirates Stadium beyond the end of the current campaign.

It remains to be seen if Ceballos can be retained, as he is keeping all of his options open, with Arsenal needing to prove to those already on their books and being eyed up from afar that they can make positive progress in the future.

In the present, the aim is to end the 2019-20 campaign as positively as possible – with European football and FA Cup glory still there to be shot at.

Their next outing is, however, set to be a testing one, with Arteta readying his troops for a meeting with Leicester.

Nicholas is hoping to see recent improvement maintained in that clash, with the Gunners going in search of a fourth successive Premier League win and a fifth in all competitions, but concedes that there remains a number of issues to be addressed by the north London outfit.

“Arsenal have formed a bit of momentum. It is still not right at the back but it is better,” former Gunners star Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“Emiliano Martinez is playing well and Sead Kolasinac on the left side of a back three is keeping it balanced. Kieran Tierney has been looking stronger and fitter. When Arsenal have wing backs, they can hit the byline and can be dangerous. It is where the danger is.

“Dani Ceballos is unpredictable. He has lovely ability, energy, but he and Granit Xhaka are weak defensively. That is the reason why you have a back five. They are not holding as they cannot tackle but they can get on the ball.

“The intent was there from Tierney for Bukayo Saka's goal [in a 2-0 win over Wolves]. Playing higher up the pitch can allow you to pin teams in. Cedric Soares deserves to be in the team too.

“Even with Alexandre Lacazette scoring, I still think Eddie Nketiah will start [against Leicester]. Saka can play anywhere, and scoring was ace for him off the back of the new contract, but I'm not sure whether he was at his best in that right-sided position. You could switch Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with him.

“Aubameyang is two goals behind Jamie Vardy now in the race for the Golden Boot, so he will be keen to get things going again. Eddie's pace gives teams problems, but at the same time, they have earned the right to be in the team. The goal helped Lacazette but I would not be surprised if he did not make it.”

Arsenal will welcome the Foxes to Emirates Stadium sat seventh in the table, eight points adrift of the top four but very much in contention for a Europa League spot.

While Liverpool “have been the best team” in the Premier League this season, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez considers Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to have been the standout player and a man deserving of the PFA Player of the Year award.

A star turn at the Etihad Stadium has been in contention for that prize on a number of occasions.

Since a man who previously struggled to make his mark at Chelsea was brought back to English football in the summer of 2015, he has been a model of consistency.

De Bruyne has been integral to the success enjoyed by City, with many surprised to see him miss out to Mohamed Salah in the 2018 PFA vote after helping the Blues to 100 points in a record-breaking title triumph.

The Belgian had previously been edged out by Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, with it possible that he could be left empty-handed again in 2020.

With Liverpool having dominated a domestic scene, the expectation is that one of those to have helped them to a first top-flight crown in 30 years will be picked out as the cream of the Premier League crop.

Martinez, though, believes that the remarkable standards set by De Bruyne deserve to be recognised, with it still possible for City to end the campaign with four trophies to their name.

The Belgium national team coach told The Mirror: "Obviously I watch all of Kevin's games. The other day I was watching the Man City game against Liverpool and for me it was very clear.

"Liverpool have been the best team this season and the worthy winners and champions, and then you could say easily Kevin has been the best player in the league.

"The way he affects the game, the way he can become that player who executes the pass that no other can do.

"A player that can play in different positions, that he can adjust to different needs, and for me it was very, very clear in that game that we saw the worthy champions, and on the other side we saw the best individual player in the league."

Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk are considered be the leading contenders within Liverpool’s ranks for the PFA award, with De Bruyne having tipped one of them to take the trophy.

The humble 29-year-old said back in April when asked who he would pick: "I would say Mane. I think he has been the total package this year for Liverpool.

"He has been important, so if I had to choose somebody, I would choose Mane."

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havert, with Goal having learned that a number of rival suitors were put off by the €100 million (£90m/$112m) price tag being placed on him this summer.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on club finances across the European football landscape means few clubs can match the resources at Stamford Bridge this summer and, as such, it has left them leading the race for the 21-year-old.

Havertz, however, wants to play Champions League football at his next club, and Frank Lampard’s side are yet to confirm their place in the competition for next season.

They currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and five clear of Wolves in sixth with five matches of the campaign to play.

Should a club meet his valuation, then Leverkusen will agree to sell Havertz.

But the Bundesliga outfit's sporting director, Rudi Voller, is hopeful that he can keep his club's prized asset for another season .

"There is nothing specific, nothing to report. As of now, he is our player," Voller told  Bild . "We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year. We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer."

If Havertz was to remain at the BayArena for one more season it would also be a boost for other clubs with a long-standing interest in the Germany international, such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Neither Bayern nor Real are ready to consider a move until 2021.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently told  Sport1 : “I say very clearly, financially a transfer for Havertz will not be possible this year. It’s my wish for Rudi Voller that he stays one more year in Leverkusen.”

Havertz is happy to move to the Premier League, and Chelsea currently have no competition from within England at this stage, with their key rivals either not having the money or not prioritising a player of his profile.

After effectively sitting out two transfer windows due to a ban on signing new players, Chelsea have already moved to secure the signatures of Hakim Ziyech and Havertz’s compatriot Timo Werner ahead of next season, with the pair costing a combined £84m ($105m).

Werner has since declined the opportunity to return to Leipzig in order to play the Champions League quarter-finals in August and, should Leverkusen agree to sell Havertz before the resumption of the Europa League, he will not play in those matches either.

Leverkusen played their final domestic fixture of the season on Saturday, losing 4-2 to Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal final, with Havertz scoring his 17th goal of the season in what could be his final match for the club.

Chelsea are also seeking to reinforce their defence this summer, and are keen on the addition of a left-back in that shape of Leicester City's Ben Chilwell .

The Foxes are not keen on selling the England international, however, with Harry Maguire's world-record £80m move to Manchester United setting a precedent for how the club will deal with selling their best assets.

Elsewhere, West Ham's Declan Rice is a long-term target of Chelsea's, but the prospect of an imminent move is not looking likely after David Moyes' side's hopes of staying in the Premier League were boosted by a 3-2 win over Chelsea last week.

Chelsea are also considering players sales while  they plan to re-open talks over renewing in-form winger Willian's contract in the coming weeks.

Jose Mourinho has made Tottenham “a complete bore to watch”, says Jamie O’Hara, with the Portuguese warned that Spurs will look to “get rid” if no progress is made in pursuit of top-four finishes and major silverware.

A coach who boasts the most distinguished of CVs was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in north London back in November 2019.

Mourinho’s capture was considered to be quite the coup for a side that had taken a backwards step since gracing the Champions League final a few months prior to his arrival.

With success having been delivered at the likes of Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, an experienced tactician was tipped by many to bring long-awaited success to Spurs.

Mourinho has, however, struggled to find a spark through the start of his reign, with there a very real threat of Tottenham falling out of the Premier League’s top six for the first time since 2009.

O’Hara admits progress has been slow, with the former Spurs midfielder telling talkSPORT: “The fact of the matter is that there is no excitement in the games anymore. Spurs are so boring to watch.

“I was a big fan when Mourinho came in and it was like ‘right, we’re going to win a trophy and I’m all for let’s just win a trophy, it doesn’t matter how we do it’.

“But actually, I’m now sat there thinking ‘I have lost all excitement of watching Spurs’.

“I loved it with Poch. Even though we had a bit of a poor start to the season and there was a bit of unrest in the dressing room, I still loved watching them. I loved seeing how they played.

“Now I’m watching them thinking ‘I’d rather put Come Dine With Me on’.”

O’Hara added: “There were no excuses for Mourinho now they’ve come back from lockdown. Everyone was back fit, he had a full squad, there were no excuses with Harry Kane and Son.

“I was excited to see how they came back and thought can they be – like Man United have been and like Chelsea have been – can they look fit and stronger?

“Tottenham have been the complete opposite. They have been a complete bore to watch.”

With Spurs in danger of alienating a fan base that cannot attend games during the coronavirus pandemic, O’Hara says Mourinho needs to find a quick fix and start proving his worth if another early departure is to be avoided from a prominent post in England.

The Spurs academy graduate said: “Give him a transfer window, see what he does next season. If he can bring a trophy to the club, then it’s been worthwhile.

“If it doesn’t look like we are going to win a trophy… the thing is with Spurs fans is the expectation.

“Poch did turn us into a consistently top four football team. If we’re not going to be that all of a sudden, with that stadium and where the club are trying to go, then we have to get rid.”

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both reaching the 20-goal mark is "long overdue", according to Andy Cole, who says the Manchester United duo will now have to prove that they can deliver the goods "season in, season out".

Rashford was enjoying his best individual campaign yet in United colours before being sidelined with a back injury in January, having hit 19 goals in 31 outings across all competitions.

Martial took up the mantle through the middle in the England international's absence, and has also been able to add an end product to his game which had previously been lacking.

The Frenchman took his tally to 20 goals in a single campaign for the first time in his career after a netting a hat-trick in United's 3-0 win over Sheffield United on June 24, which also marked his first treble for the club.

Rashford, who returned to full fitness during the coronavirus-enforced break in the season, matched his team-mate's total by scoring a penalty in a 5-2 victory at home to Bournemouth at the weekend.

With Mason Greenwood also finding the net on a regular basis for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, it has been suggested that former glories will soon be revived at Old Trafford.

However, Cole has warned Rashford and Martial that they cannot allow their performance levels to drop if United are to start challenging for major honours once again.

The ex-Red Devils forward told MUTV: "I’ll be honest, I think it’s overdue, considering the talent of the pair of them. I was very surprised that it was Martial’s first hat-trick in his career, very, very surprised. 

"These kids have the talent to be getting these goals season in, season out. And if they don’t they’ve got to be asking themselves the question why they are not getting 20 goals a season.

"I look at the Premier League now, in my time playing you had to get 20 goals, there was no option, you had to give the club 20 goals.

"Now I see a lot of players finishing on 12, 13 goals and they are playing centre-forward. When you’re at a big club you’ve got to have someone who can get you 20, 25, 30 goals a season if you’re trying to win the Premier League or win in Europe."

Cole went on to express his belief that the presence of €55 million (£50m/$62m) January signing Bruno Fernandes has helped United's attacking players improve their output.

He also discussed the positive effect the Portuguese playmaker has had on Paul Pogba in recent weeks, with the Frenchman enjoying a new lease of life since coming back into the team in June.

Cole added: "I think it’s a massive plus (having Fernandes). If you look since he’s come into the football club, the way he’s galvanised the players, ultimately he creates chances because he always wants to get on the ball.

"That makes it really good for a centre-forward because you know you’re guaranteed whatever movement you make he’s always looking to pass the ball forward and slip you in.

"Having Bruno in there and the re-emergence of Paul Pogba as well, the way Paul has come back into the team has freed him up no end.

"And the last few games we’ve seen Paul play, you can see his quality, because he knows he’s playing with a quality midfield player that has a fantastic understanding who can create chances and score goals."

Bruno Fernandes has helped to make Manchester United “watchable” again, says Dwight Yorke, with the Portugal international midfielder helping to raise the game of the Red Devils as a collective.

Prior to bringing a 25-year-old playmaker onto their books during the January transfer window, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had once again been struggling for consistency.

That was threatening to undermine their efforts to push back into the Premier League’s top four and chase down major silverware.

Fernandes has, however, slotted seamlessly into the fold and become a talismanic presence at Old Trafford.

His arrival has coincided with a 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions, with United now very much in the hunt for Champions League qualification and prestigious trophies.

Solskjaer has seen his side rediscover their attacking spark, with the goals flowing once more, and Fernandes finds himself at the heart of a renaissance for the Red Devils.

Former United striker Yorke told JOE of the upturn in fortune: “The fact that we are unbeaten in 16 games now, that’s a run we haven’t had for maybe three or four years.

“And of course he’s got the addition of Bruno Fernandes, who’s hit the ground running and made an instant impact, which we needed.

“We needed something to lift us. It’s a little bit early to get above your station, but it certainly looks a lot more exciting and it’s looked a lot more watchable - rather than the way it used to be before. 

“You can actually now sit down to watch a game of football knowing that, at least we’ve got players who will attack defenders and try to score.”

Fernandes has contributed six goals and five assists through his nine Premier League appearances for date, with the Portuguese now setting the standard for all of those around him.

Yorke added on a charismatic figure in the middle of the park: “He’s animated with everything that he does.

“He’s involved from back to front. He works hard for the team and everyone seems to follow him in that sense. And it’s just great to see.

“He’s been huge for us. We needed somebody to really lift the team.”

Fernandes and United will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Vipers SC have sealed their third signing this transfer window with the arrival of Jamil Kalisa from Bright Stars.

The newly crowned Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions have already brought on board former Express FC captain Disan Galiwango and Mbarara City midfielder Ibrahim Orit ahead of the new season.

And on Tuesday, the Venoms confirmed the signing of Kalisa on a four-year contract, after the player opted against extending his one-year deal with Bright Stars.

Vipers have confirmed the arrival of Kalisa on their official website and went further to state his signing will help coach Fred Kajoba to beef up the loop-holes within the team as they prepare for the Caf Champions League campaign next season.

“His arrival will help coach Kajoba patch up several loop-holes within the team as he also strengthens the squad in readiness for the forthcoming season that has already seen pundits predict it as ‘a demanding one’ already,” Vipers said in a statement on their official website.

Apart from taking part in the Caf Champions League, Vipers will also battle to defend the title they won after the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the 2019-20 campaign owing to effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Vipers will also take part in Uganda Cup, Fufa Super 8, and Fufa Super Cup.

Kalisa was a key player for Bright Stars, as he helped the side to avoid relegation last season which saw Proline FC among the teams to drop to the lower league.

The 21-year-old started his career at the National Sports Academy before Lungujja Galaxy – a Rubaga regional side – spotted him in 2017 en route to joining Bright Stars at the start of the 2018/19 season, and he now rejoins coach Kajoba having worked with him at his previous club.

In a recent interview, coach Kajoba revealed the importance of beefing up the squad to help challenge for titles and also do well in the Champions League.

“We have to make sure we have all the positions covered because next season, we will have a tough season, taking part in Champions League and we must also fight to defend the league title,” Kajoba said.

KCCA will represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to see Lionel Messi remain at Barcelona, with the Manchester City boss refusing to be drawn on speculation suggesting that he could be reunited with the Argentine in England.

Speculation regarding a move away from Camp Nou for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner has surfaced again over recent weeks.

It is not the first time that Messi has seen a switch mooted, with an all-time great holding obvious appeal to any team on the planet.

He has remained fiercely loyal to Barca down the years, with fresh terms agreed on a regular basis.

Reports have, however, suggested that Messi has shelved talks in the present as he waits to discover in which direction a rather rudderless Blaugrana side will head from this point.

His apparent reluctance to extend a contract due to run until the summer of 2021 has generated another round of exit talk, with City one of few clubs that could afford to finance a deal if a door were to be opened.

Guardiola, though, is reluctant to be dragged into a debate regarding targets with the 2019-20 campaign still ongoing and still expects a compromise to be reached in Catalunya that will see an iconic figure remain in his current surroundings.

“I’m not going to speak about transfers until the end of the season,” said the former Barca boss.

“My wish is that Messi is going to stay in Barcelona.”

Guardiola offered a similar response when pressed on whether he intends to bring in another centre-half in the next window, with many having called for a suitable successor to former club captain Vincent Kompany to be found.

“At the end of the season. We still have incredible targets to fight for,” said the City coach.

The Blues remain in contention for FA Cup and Champions League crowns this season, having already collected Community Shield and Carabao Cup winners’ medals.

Guardiola is eager to see his side finish with a flourish, but accepts that they have fallen well short in a Premier League title race that has been dominated by record-setting champions Liverpool.

On the back of seeing City suffer a shock 1-0 defeat at Southampton last time out, Guardiola said: “When you lose nine games you cannot win the Premier League right now - maybe years ago.

“The champions have to score above 90 points, so when you lose nine games you cannot win the league.

“I was not able to solve the problem that we have had since the beginning.

“I remember the game against Tottenham at home, they had two shots on target and we shot more than 20 and we drew. It happened in the second game in the league and the last game against Southampton was similar. I was not able to change this dynamic.”