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Speaking in an Instagram live chat with the ISL on Monday, Jindal expressed his feelings about the Blues' high-profile clashes in Indian football and picked out Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan as the team's biggest threat. 

He said, "Mohun Bagan still gives me anxiety. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, that rivalry, the kind of passion, there is something about that legacy, history and the colours. You just feel like you are playing history, something bigger than anything."

He feels that the Kolkata giants have helped in keeping the discussion on Indian football alive and following Bengaluru's defeat at the hands of ATK in the semi-final of the ISL last season and the latter's merger with Mohun Bagan, the rivalry is expected to be bigger next season. 

"Every time you go to Kolkata to play a football game, I just feel like these guys have kept Indian football alive. While all of us focused on cricket, it is Goa and Kolkata who have kept Indian football alive. My biggest admiration is for their fans. Now that Roy Krishna beat us last year, our biggest rivalry is against ATK Mohun Bagan."

Jindal further reminisced about the starting Bengaluru FC and reserved special praise for the team's former head coach Ashley Westwood, who he believes laid the foundation for success. The English coach left after three years with the club and Jindal recollected how difficult it was to accept his departure. 

"I was on my honeymoon when I got the call from Mandar about Ashley not signing the extension. Suddenly, I became stressed out. I went for a long jog. I spoke to Ashley, he had a lot of issues - with structure, pay etc, I can't disclose more. I thanked him and said, one day when we have a stadium, we will have a statue of you in the stadium."

The Blues chose Spanish head coach Albert Roca to replace Westwood and have since adopted an approach influenced by Spanish football. 

"Indian players are more of the Spanish mould in terms of physique. Ashley used to play a lot of route one football with a very tight defence. We then said that it is not really getting India anywhere. So we needed to change the way Bengaluru plays so that players would be a lot more confident about keeping the ball.

"We decided we would either go the Dutch route or the Spanish route. Roca's resume came to us, I interviewed him on Skype and we hit it off. He was going to bring his entire team. It was terrible initially in the first season, I remember speaking to Albert. They (the staff) maintained that it takes time. League did not go well but we won the Federation Cup, which was huge."

Bengaluru won their first ISL title two years ago and will be looking get the trophy back from defending champions ATK when ISL kicks off later this year. 
 

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Presidential aspirant Sam Nyamweya has criticised the move by some stakeholders calling for the disbarment of the current federation.

Nyamweya states such calls, if implemented, will cause serious ramifications which may also attract the ban from Fifa.

“My attention has been drawn to multiple petitions purportedly by football stakeholders agitating for a different course of action in the quest to achieve electoral and wholesome justice in respect of the holding of FKF elections, that is long overdue,” Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal .

“While this is a good move because petitions are a legitimate route to agitate for issues and get the attention of public authorities, it is imperative that the craft of the final document is done with utmost keenness so as to avoid projecting issues in a manner that offends the same laws that petitioners want to have adhered to.

“Accordingly, I wish to caution some of the issues contained in the petitions are an affront to the course of justice as it is likely to put stakeholders on a collision path with world football-governing body - Fifa - and the government of Kenya.”

Specifically, the former FKF President has cautioned on various recommendations that the petitioners must totally avoid.

“Advocacy for the disbandment of the FKF or appointment of a caretaker committee in any other way apart from in the manner directed by the Sports Disputes Tribunal in its ruling of 17th March 2020,” added Nyamweya.

“For the avoidance of the doubt, Section 54 of the Sports Act 2013 cannot be invoked without there being inspection and as such the Cabinet Secretary for Sports lacks the locus to act in that respect and, therefore, the only best route for the current stalemate to be unlocked is through the route taken by the SDT [invoking Section 59 of the Sports Act 2013] in compliance to Fifa's proposal for dialogue.

“We must be careful and resist the temptation to imagine that, at this point in time, registering a parallel federation is a viable option. I will never support any such move and I caution all well-meaning stakeholders to avoid that route.”

Nyamweya added he ould only supports a petition that will earn the support of both Fifa and the Kenyan government.

“That stakeholders are committed to the total adherence to the Kenyan Constitution and Fifa Statutes in a manner that promotes the values enshrined in the law,”  he concluded.

“In this regard, the petition seeking collaboration between Fifa and the Government of Kenya to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders with a view to holding free, fair and credible elections at the earliest opportunity is the most ideal one which will earn it a commendation to the authorities.

“Let us be reminded the SDT ruling of 17th March 2020 has cleared the way regarding very many of the issues and we must now be focused on getting to the end instead of going back to agitate the same issues whose contention is no longer an issue.”

A date for FKF elections has not been announced yet but Nyamweya is keen to unseat incumbent President Nick Mwendwa.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be considered to have topped Pele on a list of all-time greats, says Tostao, with a mix of two modern day superstars required in order to get near the Brazilian icon.

Pele’s standing at the top of any greatest list was unchallenged for several years, with Diego Maradona the only player to get close to him.

Messi and Ronaldo have, however, raised the bar of individual excellence to heights rarely seen before over the course of their remarkable careers.

The Argentina and Portugal internationals have sent records tumbling, while helping themselves to enviable hauls of individual and collective honours.

Many believe these exploits have lifted them above Pele, but Tostao still considers a man he won the 1970 World Cup alongside to be the finest player to have ever laced up a pair of football boots.

He told FIFA.com: “I think Pele was better than all of them. For me, there's no comparison. Pele was far more complete. He had every quality that a forward could have. He didn't have one defect.

“Messi's spectacular, but he doesn't head the ball like Pele did, he doesn't shoot as well with both feet, he doesn't pull off the moves that Pele did.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional player, but he doesn't have the ability that Pele had and he doesn't pull off the incredible passes that Pele did.

“If you take the qualities of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, put them together, then you'd have a player to compare to Pele!”

Tostao also gave his take on whether Maradona sits alongside Pele, saying of the Argentine World Cup winner: “Maradona was spectacular, but he wasn't on Pele's level physically, he didn't score the numbers of goals Pele did.”

Pele has always placed himself at the top of any chart, with the South American rightly proud of all that he achieved. He has, however, admitted in the recent past that he considers Portuguese power to sit above Argentine flair when running a rule over the current crop of superstars.

Pele told Pilhado when asked to offer his input in a long-running debate: “Today the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he's the best, because he's more consistent, but you can't forget about Messi, of course, but he's not a striker.”

Harvey Elliott has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool.

The 17-year-old joined Liverpool from Fulham last summer, and has since appeared in eight games across all competitions for the club.

His latest outing came in a meeting with Crystal Palace at Anfield on June 24, when he was introduced as a second-half substitute during the Reds' 4-0 victory.

The midfielder expressed his delight after the announcement was made on Monday, telling the Reds' official website: “I think since the first day I've walked in, it's been an indescribable journey so far.

“I think now to top it off with my first professional contract is a dream come true for me and my family.

"I'm excited to see what the future holds and I'm just excited to give everything to the club and the fans.”

The teenage playmaker went on to recall making his Anfield debut during Liverpool's thrilling Carabao Cup round of 16 win over Arsenal in October, and promised to give his all for the club as he continues to develop his all-round game in the coming years.

Elliott added: “I think when I stepped out on the Anfield pitch when I played Arsenal, I think it was an emotional thing for me.

"To obviously be watching the players and to be playing them with them, honestly it's a dream come true.

“To be in and around the fans as well, to hear them singing You'll Never Walk Alone when you're stepping out on the pitch, it did bring a tear to my eye.

"I just can't wait to give everything back to them and just to show them what I can do.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp added: “Brilliant news, really happy.

“Harvey is such an exciting prospect. We all know his qualities, we have seen them this season in the first team and U23s.

“I love his attitude, love his enthusiasm, love his bravery, love the fact he has the right amount of football confidence and cheekiness."

The England U17 international will be back in contention for a place in Klopp's squad when Liverpool travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Wednesday.

The Reds have already wrapped up a first league title in 30 years, but Elliott still needs to feature in three more Premier League games to be eligible for a winners' medal.

Franck Ribery has released a statement after his home was robbed during Fiorentina's clash with Parma, hinting that he will have to evaluate his future at the club.

Ribery signed for Fiorentina on a free transfer after leaving Bayern last summer, and has since appeared in 15 Serie A matches for the club, scoring three goals.

The former France international was back in Fiorentina's starting XI for their trip to Parma on Sunday, which ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors thanks to two penalties from Erick Pulgar.

While the 37-year-old was handling business on the pitch, thieves allegedly broke into his Florence residence after allegedly tampering with the exterior surveillance system.

They reportedly made off with two Rolex watches, a Cartier bracelet, various gold jewellery and 10 branded bags, after vandalising the furniture and leaving clothes strewn all over the house.

Ribery's family were staying in Munich at the time of the incident, but the Fiorentina winger recorded a video showing the damage caused upon his return, which he has posted on social media.

The former Bayern star has also sent a message to supporters via his official Twitter account promising to put his family's safety first after the incident, which reads: "After this victory against Parma, I came back home. This "home" in Italy, a country in which I decided to pursue my career after so many beautiful years in Munich.

"This is what I discovered ... So yes, my wife lost a few bags, some jewellery, but "al Hamdoulillah" it's not essential. What shocks me is the feeling of being naked.

"To have your pants taken down and that feeling, it doesn't pass. I can't accept it! Thank God my wife and my children were safe in Munich, but how can we trust [our surroundings] anymore today?

"How can I / we feel good here today after that? I don't run after the millions (of euros). Thank God we lack for nothing. But, I always run after the ball, because it's my passion.

"But passion or not, my family comes first. And we will take the necessary decisions."

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso voiced his support for Ribery via the club's website, stating: “I’m very disappointed with and shocked by what happened to Franck Ribery on Sunday night.

"We’d all like to send all our support to Franck and his wonderful family. Aside from the financial loss, these events are very traumatic for the victims because you may lose personal items of sentimental value that nothing can replace.

"More importantly, you lose the sense of security we should all feel when we leave our families – our wives, our children – at home. We’ll do everything we can to help Franck feel safe again and help him through this difficult time. 

"I'm sure that the Fiorentina family will show solidarity with Franck by making him feel the love we all have for him.”

Ribery is due back in action with Fiorentina on Wednesday, with Cagliari set to arrive at Artemio Franchi Stadium for a mid-table encounter.

La Viola are sitting 13th in the Serie A standings at the moment, but can move to within two points of their midweek opponents in 10th if they secure a second successive win.

Kenya Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC and coach Stewart Hall have parted ways.

Hall is leaving the former National Super League (NSL) champions after joining them in November.

The British tactician had managed to steady the club a little bit after it had struggled to cope with the pressure in the top-tier since their second promotion in 2019. 

Hall's departure marks another exit of Wazito's coach. Fred Ambani was relieved of his duties in October after helping the Nairobi-based club to earn promotion. Ambani's place was taken by Melis Medo who was subsequently sacked after just three matches at the helm.

Ambani has so far returned to the club and served as Hall's assistant.

Wazito then turned their eyes on the former AFC Leopards coach but he, too, has left but on mutual consent.

“We wish to confirm that coach Stewart Hall has left the club on mutual consent,” Wazito confirmed.

As he leaves the KPL side, the tactician is confident he managed to steady the Wazito boat that was lacking balance.

“I wish to confirm that I have reached an agreement with Wazito FC for my departure from the club,” Hall confirmed.

“When I joined the team last November my duty was to stabilise the team and recruit players who would bring balance to the squad as we lacked that then.

“Together with my technical team, we worked really hard, the players did their part and together we managed to get some good results.

“Just before the league was stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unbeaten in almost ten matches and this shows the strides we had made as a team.

“As I depart, I want to thank the club management, the players, the other members of the technical bench, and everyone associated with the club, it was an honor to work with you. I wish the club all the best for the future, I believe I have put in a good foundation to steer the team forward.”

In his acknowledgment message, Wazito's Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gicheru said the Briton did what he was called to.

“I want to thank coach Stewart for his contribution to the team,” Gicheru said.

“He arrived at a time that we were really struggling and slowly by slowly he built a strong side and I am sure that his successor will inherit a good team. As he departs, we wish him all the best for the future.”

Hall becomes the first KPL coach to leave his job before the 2020/21 season begins.

N'Golo Kante will miss Chelsea's match with Crystal Palace this week due to a hamstring injury, Frank Lampard has confirmed.

The French defensive midfielder will miss the game on Tuesday after limping off with a knock in the 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday evening.

Kante went off with 12 minutes to go at Stamford Bridge, and now Blues manager Lampard has said he will miss the London derby and could also be out for the Premier League game at the weekend, against Sheffield United.

Lampard told his pre-match press conference on Monday: "Kante won't be in the squad. He has hurt his hamstring. It's a low-level hamstring [injury], so we're hoping it is a week or so out.

"[Mateo] Kovacic trained with us today but he is not ready for this game, hopefully the next. Tomori is still not ready. He had a small setback in training. Hopefully he is back next week."

When asked if Kante will be fit for Chelsea's subsequent match, Lampard said: "We'll play that one as it goes but I would expect we'd be very lucky to have him for Sheffield United."

The absence of Kante could open the door for Jorginho, who was a regular before the three-month hiatus forced on the Premier League due to coronavirus, but has not played a single minute since the 2019-20 campaign resumed last month.

Lampard said the Italy international had taken being dropped on the chin and was training well, but refused to go into details as to why a player signed for £50 million ($63m) in the summer of 2018 has suddenly fallen from favour.

He said of Jorginho: "He has been very professional about it. He wants to play as every player does. It is one of the hardest parts of the job telling a player who is not playing, or picking a squad and leaving out players, particularly when they are training well and Jorginho always trains well.

"He has handled it professionally and that’s what I would expect. It is important for players in a long season, with the competitive squad that we have, that they are there to support players when they are out, and he has done that. So we will see with my selection tomorrow.

"I don’t want to go into the personal details of positions and tactics. I just have to pick a team as I see best. They are just my choices."

Frank Lampard is eager to avoid making any comparisons between Eden Hazard and Christian Pulisic, with the former Chelsea star having “been here and done it” while the United States international remains one for the future.

Plenty are looking to place forwards from the past and present into a shared talent bracket. Given that both have filled the same role on the left of the Blues’ attacking unit, it is easy to pass one off against the other.

Hazard, though, spent seven successful years in west London before heading to Real Madrid in 2019, with 110 goals recorded by the Belgian while collecting two Premier League titles and a couple of Europa League crowns.

Pulisic is only just starting down a similar path, with the USMNT star approaching the end of his debut campaign in England.

The 21-year-old has registered eight goals and six assists, helping to keep Chelsea in the hunt for a top-four finish and major silverware.

Lampard, though, is reluctant to compare the American with Hazard, with the hope being that Pulisic will become a talismanic presence in his own right.

The Blues boss told reporters ahead of a Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday: “Having played with Eden and seen him come to the club at a relatively young age, similar to Christian. We saw the development of him.

“But he had a special talent straight away of being able to receive a ball and have great balance and go past players so well. He would draw a lot of players towards him to open up space for others. He was pretty unselfish in how he would make assists.

“I think Christian is possibly more direct in his style sometimes, in terms of how he goes past players and runs off the ball, which I like.

“Eden would come and get the ball and take it past players a lot. With Christian, sometimes I think he has the ability to break the line and run forward, which is a really great trait in the modern game.

“In terms of the comparison, which is why I stayed away from it a bit, Eden has been here and done it and did it to an incredible level. Christian has it in his hands to make a real impact over a long period of time.

“The thing I'm so happy with now is when we're playing teams and the games are tough and you're finding it hard to break teams down, he's taking responsibility to change that, to change it in moments by using his ability to turn quickly and go past people.

"It's been great to see and, as I keep saying, there's a lot of development to come for Christian. I'm very happy with him.”

Thiago Alcantara may be an “unbelievable” player, concedes Jose Enrique, but that does not make the Bayern Munich midfielder the “best fit” for Liverpool.

A move to Anfield for the Spain international has been mooted ahead of the next transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp has pieced together a Premier League title-winning squad at Anfield, but the German tactician is aware of the need to strive for continuous improvement. That means further bolstering his ranks if the right opportunity presents itself.

Thiago may fit into that category, with the Reds in the market for more energy and creativity in their engine room.

Bayern concede that a player they have been unable to tie to fresh terms may decide to leave the Allianz Arena as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.

Enrique admits that players of such quality will always be welcome on Merseyside, but the former Reds defender is not convinced that the 29-year-old would be the best use of any funds made available to Klopp.

He told Stadium Astro: “If they get him, definitely he’s going there because Klopp has called him and told him he’s going to be a starting player often.

“I believe he will be a very, very good player for us but how much do you want to spend on this player and for how many years is he going to perform in your team? That’s what you have to look at as well.

“I’m not sure it would be the best fit, but he’s an unbelievable player, there’s no doubt about that, and he would make the starting line-up."

Klopp was quizzed on his supposed interest in Thiago after seeing Liverpool edge past Aston Villa 2-0 in their most recent Premier League outing.

His response has helped to keep the rumour mill ticking over, with the Reds boss saying: “Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer on that? Just because I never answer these kind of questions. Thiago Alcantara is a really good player. Like a lot of other players out there, I like (him) a lot - but that’s all I have to say about that.”

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee says he has embraced his new role in the heart of the park under coach Pitso Mosimane.

The former Ajax Cape Town defender was converted by ‘Jingles’ to play alongside the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, and Andile Jali.

On the other hand, Coetzee says it was a bit tricky to settle down in his new role but he eventually fell in love with his new role.

“Yes, I would say that the position grew on me and training in that position every day before the lockdown has helped me to adapt to it,” Coetzee told the Sundowns website.

“I actually enjoy playing midfield, I hope I can continue there and maybe have a future in that position.

“It was a bit tricky in the beginning, I wasn’t used to people pressing me from behind. I was used to seeing everything on the pitch and that made it easier for me to attack space.”

The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana international also explained what makes a good midfielder and that he found players such as Manchester City’s IIkay Gundogan as his role model.

“But in midfield, you have to think quicker and always scan so you know what’s happening around you, and know what to do with the ball before you even receive it,” he added.

“There are a few players that I like in that position, especially from teams that play the same football we do at Mamelodi Sundowns, which is to dominate and play to always have the ball. Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City are just two examples.”

Taking a look at his contribution to the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, the Kakamas-born player has featured in 10 matches across all competitions so far.

As things stand, Sundowns are chasing a 10th PSL title but they have to fight off log leaders Kaizer Chiefs who sit at the summit of the log with 48 points from 22 games, whilst Masandawana have 44 with a game in hand.

In addition, Coetzee will also look to help the reigning Telkom Knockout Cup champions to Nedbank Cup glory as they are scheduled to face Bidvest Wits in the semi-finals once the season resumes after it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid get more penalties than other teams in Spain because they are on the attack more often, according to Diego Simeone.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu have suggested Madrid, who sit four points clear of the Catalan giants at the top of La Liga, are benefiting from favourable decisions from referees.

Zinedine Zidane said has was "tired" of hearing such comments after his side beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Sunday, the second straight game they have won courtesy of a Sergio Ramos penalty, which was awarded after a VAR review spotted Dani Garcia's trip on Marcelo.

Iker Muniain was critical of the officials after the match because Athletic did not receive a spot-kick for Ramos appearing to step on Raul Garcia's foot off the ball or for another incident involving the Madrid captain and Dani Garcia.

Madrid have been awarded nine penalties in La Liga this season – only Athletic and Real Mallorca have earned more (10 each) – and Simeone thinks it is natural for a team that plays on the front foot to get such decisions.

"VAR exposes everything. Before we didn't have the possibility of seeing some things that we now see. The referees are people who can be wrong as well," the Atletico Madrid boss told a news conference.

"It is fairer. If they give you more penalties, it's because you are in the opposition's area more. If they attack more, like Real Madrid, it means you are there longer.

"In the speed of the game it's difficult to see what happens, but now another referee sees it with calmness on television. People too, from their homes.

"Then there is a person who decides, which is the VAR. It can hurt you or help you, but now we are all clear on if its offside, if it's a penalty… we are all more exposed."

Atletico face Celta Vigo on Tuesday and will be without talismanic midfielder Joao Felix due to an ankle injury.

Felix has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in 34 appearances in all competitions since moving to Wanda Metropolitano from Benfica for a club-record fee of €126 million (£114m/$143m) last year.

Simeone intends to remain patient with the 20-year-old Portugal international when he is available for action again.

"Joao is in his first year at Atletico. I am not surprised by anything that is happening to him," said the Argentine head coach.

"He has to be patient and not disengage. The anger he has because of what he wants to show, because of his qualities, sometimes costs him.

"Few footballers at 20 or 21 are the finished article. He has undoubted talent. He's a humble, respectful boy who gets along with everybody."

Manchester United’s front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are outperforming Liverpool’s title-winning trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino this season, with Owen Hargreaves considering that to be a sign of “exciting times”.

Between them in the 2019-20 campaign, a fearsome attacking unit at Old Trafford have found the target on 55 occasions.

Martial and Rashford have recorded 20 efforts apiece, while hot prospect Greenwood is up to 15 at just 18 years of age.

Finding a spark in the final third of the field has helped to breathe new life into the resurgent Red Devils, with the efforts of their forwards bettering those of Premier League champions at Anfield.

Salah, Mane and Firmino have enjoyed another standout season at Liverpool, but only have 51 goals as a collective.

Hargreaves considers that to be a notable feather in United’s cap, with there plenty of cause for optimism in Manchester.

The former Red Devils midfielder told Premier League Productions after seeing Martial, Rashford and Greenwood all find the target in a 5-2 mauling of Bournemouth: “Everyone speaks about the best front three in the Premier League in Salah, Mane and Firmino – they are. They have proven it – 51 goals between them.

“But Martial, Rashford, Greenwood  - all in their teens or early 20s – have scored more than that Liverpool front three.

“It’s not a competition but it shows you that these guys are ready to take the mantle.

“With [Paul] Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in behind, wow! What a group of players that front five is. It’s exciting times for Manchester United.”

Rashford made the same comment after helping to pick off the Cherries in United’s most recent outing.

He told BT Sport: "The lads enjoyed it today. Definitely exciting times. It doesn't matter who scores as long as we are scoring and picking up points in the table.

"It is always positive for teams if their forwards are scoring. It is important now to push on until the end of the season."

United, who remain in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification this season, will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Kenyan sports will remain banned for the next 30 days after President Uhuru Kenyatta extended the period on Monday.

The football fraternity was praying hard that the President would ease the restrictions and allow sports activities to resume but it was not the case as he moved to extend the ban on all social gatherings for the next 30 days, meaning it will now elapse on August 6.

The President, however, announced the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa and Mandera counties will lapse on Tuesday at 04:00 but extended the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew for 30 more days.

“By reopening [the three counties], we must be cognisant of the fact that we are much more at risk when the restrictions were in place. We must exercise cautious optimism,” Kenyatta said during the address to the nation.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had hoped the ban will be lifted to allow teams to start pre-season training ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season set to kick-off at the end of August.

Kenya’s top-flight was halted in mid-March after the outbreak of the coronavirus and FKF moved to end the 2019-20 campaign, giving the title to Gor Mahia, who were leading the 17-team table and promoting Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United.

The latest move by the government now means clubs will not be able to start pre-season training in readiness for the new season.

FKF CEO Barry Otieno told Goal they will meet in the course of the week to discuss the latest decision by the government.

“We will have to meet and decide on what should be done next because our season is due to start in August and we hope the clubs will be ready by then,” Otieno told Goal.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula wondered why the president had opened churches to be attended by less than 100 people and left out sports.

“It is unfortunate the President overlooked sports and gave churches the green light to resume summons every Sunday, churches, and football are almost similar and he should have allowed teams to start kicking the ball,” Shimanyula told Goal.

The ban also means Gor Mahia will now conduct their much-awaited elections, set for August 8, through an electronic process since club members cannot be allowed to congregate in one centre.

On July 1, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed appointed an Advisory Committee meant to draw up protocols required for the resumption of sporting activities in the country, and a report from the team is expected to be presented to the Cabinet Secretary by July 10, 2020.

Curtis Jones is proud to be forming part of the “greatest” Liverpool side that he has seen, with the 19-year-old having just completed the most “perfect” week of his career to date.

The talented teenager had not been born the last time an era of dominance was enjoyed by the Reds in domestic and continental football.

A 30-year wait for title glory has been brought to a close, though, in 2020, with a Premier League crown secured on the back of recent Champions League and Club World Cup triumphs.

Jurgen Klopp has lifted Liverpool back to the top of the global game, with his current squad boasting a heady blend of youth and experience.

Jones falls into the first of those categories, with the Merseyside native living the dream as a senior star following in the footsteps of some iconic figures.

“I think for any young lad that's coming into the team like this, I think you've got to be confident, you've got to be brave and want to get on the ball. That's what I try and do,” Jones told the club’s official website of joining star-studded ranks.

“Growing up, I've always watched Liverpool and there's been some great players, including my idol Steven Gerrard and his team that he played in was great.

“But I definitely think that this is the greatest I've watched and I'm grateful to be part of it.”

Jones’ most recent outing proved to be a memorable one, as he opened his Premier League goal account in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

That effort came on the back of committing his long-term future to Liverpool with the signing of a new five-year contract.

Life could not be rosier for the youngster right now, with Jones adding: “They could call it perfect.

“But, for me, I'm just grateful for the manager and the rest of the staff for having the belief in me and putting me out there when it was only 1-0 and Villa were playing well. I'm grateful for that but it's been a good week.

“He [Klopp] was just saying the usual, he knows that I'm good on the ball but it's about picking the right pass and knowing when to dribble. 

“He said the game was a bit Villa were on the attack and then we were on the attack, just to try and get a hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and control the game a bit more. 

“That's what I tried to do and hopefully the goal helped.”

Jones now has three efforts to his name this season, with the first of those seeing him record a spectacular strike in an FA Cup third-round derby win over Everton.

Portuguese club Sporting Braga have secured the services of South Africa international Jermaine Seoposenwe on a two-year deal.

The Cidade Desportiva-based outfit signed the Banyana Banyana striker as a free agent after she parted ways with Primera Iberdrola side Real Betis, where she saw out her six-month contract.

During her short stint, Seoposenwe, who arrived from Lithuanian side Gintra Universitetas in February, only featured thrice before the coronavirus suspension and subsequent league cancellation in May.

In those three games, two were in Primera Iberdrola triumphs against Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano, while the other was a Copa de La Reina loss to Logrono for Pier Luigi Cherubino's team.

Earlier on her first professional outing at Gintra, the South Africa star enjoyed an impactful albeit brief spell, scoring six times in eight games for Rimantas Viktoravicius's team last season.

Having finished third last term, the 2019 Portuguese champions are eager to improve on their fortunes in the new season, having lost the services of at least 17 players to the summer window.

And Miguel Santos has made Seoposenwe and Cindy Konig his first signings since the club resumed its pre-season on July 2 as he began the quest to fill the vacuum left by the mass exodus.

Seoposenwe's arrival in Portugal swells the number of South Africans to make a move to the Portuguese BPI since their Women's World Cup outing last year to two, after Thembi Kgaltana.

Reacting to her switch, she expressed excitement over signing for Braga and shared her eagerness to hit the ground running in Portugal.

“I definitely hope to start well, be in touch with the team and fight for all the trophies," she told the club website. 

"That is the focus, working hard to achieve these goals. Liga BPI is a championship with players with a lot of skill and technique. 

"I am excited to be on the pitch and start training and playing with my teammates."

The Cape Town-born star started at JVW FC in her home country before earning a three-year scholarship to US' Samford University, where she played 80 matches and scored 39 goals.

The 26-year-old competed for Banyana at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, starred in a runners-up spot at the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations and was part of the 2019 World Cup in France.

Weston McKennie has been linked with an imminent move to the Premier League, but Schalke “strongly believe” that the United States international will be on their books next season.

The 21-year-old midfielder has a seen a switch mooted which would see him follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Christian Pulisic.

Chelsea lured one USMNT star away from the Bundesliga in 2019, with Pulisic heading to Stamford Bridge from Borussia Dortmund.

McKennie could be the next to trade life in Germany for English football. He is considered to be a player of promise, with close to 100 appearances at club level to go along with the 19 senior caps he has earned with his country.

Schalke, though, are reluctant to see another top talent slip their net, with the club’s sports director stating his confidence that McKennie can be retained.

Jochen Schneider has told Sport1: “He is our player. I strongly believe that he will stay with us.”

McKennie is considered to have a prominent role to play in Schalke’s future, with the German outfit aware that they cannot afford to invest heavily in ready-made superstars.

Schneider added: “We won't be able to afford the seasoned top players in the next few years. We have to be honest.

“We have to rely on the young players who emerge from the academy, but also on younger players who we bring to the club. Like Suat Serdar, who came two years ago, or Ozan Kabak last season, Weston McKennie, who went through youth system - these are the players we want and need to bet on in the future.”

Schalke ended the 2019-20 campaign in 12th spot, with any threat of a relegation dogfight fended off.

The hope is that they will take a positive step forwards next term, but there are several issues to address before then.

“[Mark] Uth and [Sebastian] Rudy are coming back. These are seasoned Bundesliga players who are the framework for the team. We plan with them,” said Schneider. “With [Nabil] Bentaleb, we have to see whether Newcastle want to take up the option, but he will be expensive.

“I don’t want to go into debt anymore. A lot of capital is tied up in players that we have lent out.

“If we can get good young players then we will also have a good team on the field, which is why we have one of the best youth academies in Germany, if not in Europe, and Norbert Elgert is one of the best instructors out there.”

Mexico manager Gerardo Martino has backed Raul Jimenez to seal a move to Manchester United this summer.

Jimenez has been a big hit in the Premier League since making his way to Wolves in the summer of 2018.

The 29-year arrived at Molineux on an initial season-long loan from Benfica, but he earned a permanent contract after netting 17 goals in his debut season.

The Mexican frontman has already improved on that tally in 2019-20, scoring 24 times in 44 outings across all competitions to help Wolves fight for a top-four finish and Europa League glory.

Jimenez is now being tipped for a big-money move to one of Europe's top clubs, with United and Juventus reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Martino thinks that the ex-Benfica star has more chance of playing regularly at Old Trafford than the Allianz Arena, with a number nine spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's line-up still up for grabs.

"Looking at it from the outside today I cannot see a specialist number nine like Raul at United," the Mexico boss told ESPN . "There are many forwards like [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and the boy who now plays as a right-winger, [Mason] Greenwood, but since Romelu Lukaku left I can't see a pure number nine like Raul.

"At Juventus, he will have more of a fight because [Cristiano] Ronaldo shares the inside of the pitch with whoever plays alongside him, with [Paulo] Dybala or with [Gonzalo] Higuain and maybe he has a tougher fight there."

Martino went on to advise Jimenez to weigh up all his options carefully before making a final decision on his future.

"We who see it from the outside, you [the journalist] and even me, always have the idea that a player has to aim for more and how good it would be for him to go to play for Manchester United," the 57-year-old added.

"For me, that at one point in my life I was in a very big club [Barcelona], and having lived a difficult year there, I say that you have to be convinced of the step you want to take and you have to analyse it from many places.

"And he has elements to analyse it because, although he has not been at Manchester United, he was at Atletico Madrid and he was at Benfica. And he has elements to put in the balance to decide what he wants from his life.

"Maybe he wants a bigger challenge because he feels that he is in good shape and has to take advantage of it, maybe he wants to stay in this place, maybe the options you read about are not real and do not exist.

"I think the best thing is for Raul to make the decision based on the analysis he makes and with the consensus of his family because, when it comes to enjoying, not only the player suffers and enjoy, but also the family do it."

Massimiliano Allegri says he had contact with Real Madrid over becoming their head coach two years ago, but wanted to stay loyal to Juventus.

The former AC Milan boss spent five successful years in charge of Juve prior to his exit at the end of last season.

After Zinedine Zidane left Madrid following the 2017-18 campaign, the club had short spells with Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari in charge.

Allegri was one of the other options pursued by the club and the Italian thanked Madrid president Florentino Perez for his interest at the time. Madrid ultimately turned back to Zidane in March 2019.

"Two years ago, there was contact, but nothing came of it because I had a contract with Juve," Allegri told Marca about Madrid's interest. "Furthermore, I had a strong moral commitment to the club and its fans."

Allegri was asked what he likes most about the work Zidane is doing at Santiago Bernabeu, with a La Liga title on the horizon as the delayed 2019-20 season nears its conclusion.

"The strength he has had in finding the indispensable balance of a team so full of class and talent," Allegri said. "For me, the positioning of Casemiro has been a tactical masterclass from Zizou."

Discussing his own future, Allegri continued: "I've been charging my batteries [since leaving Juve] and enjoying time with my family and my city, Livorno, with my lifelong friends.

"I don't really care [if my next job is in Italy or abroad]. I'm looking for a club to share a project with and which has the ambition to compete to win."

When questioned over whether he would like to coach in La Liga, Allegri added: "Who in their right mind would say no to this question? No one.

"There is more pleasure of playing in La Liga, no matter the result. After conceding a goal, the team keeps playing as if nothing has happened. In Italy, on the other hand, there is much more love and attention for the details of the game and tactics. The brain almost always wins out over the heart, in general.

"[Italian football is more difficult] because of what I said before. The player doesn't have much freedom to enjoy themselves in a purely instinctive way and this sometimes makes it difficult."