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Gareth Bale is “getting shafted” by Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid, claims David Bentley, with the Wales international a player who can “do anything” and deserving of greater respect.

A dream switch to Spain in 2013 for the forward got off to a perfect start, with decisive contributions in Copa del Rey and Champions League successes.

Bale has collected a Liga title and three more European crowns since then, while passing the 100-goal mark for the Blancos, but his Santiago Bernabeu adventure has become something of a nightmare.

Form and fitness issues are now seemingly never far away, with the 30-year-old becoming an easy target for a demanding fan base that is never afraid to make scapegoats of those that they consider to be underperforming.

Madrid boss Zidane also appears to have bought into that way of thinking, with the Frenchman choosing to overlook Bale on a regular basis across his two spells at the helm.

That has led to inevitable exit talk, but Bentley believes that a man he saw enjoy a meteoric rise to prominence at Tottenham is being unfairly treated by those reluctant to acknowledge his true value.

The former Spurs winger told 888sport: “Gareth Bale. He could do anything. We had numerous players when I was there who were talented and young footballers. We had loads.

“It’s only when I look back that I see we were a really great football team. We didn’t win anything but should have with [Luka] Modric and [Rafael] van der Vaart and [Jermain] Defoe, but Gareth Bale could do anything.

"His tackles were better. His free-kicks were better. He could throw it longer than anyone else and run faster and was stronger. He could leap and get up for a header. Literally an all-rounder.

“I just can’t believe what’s happening to him at Real Madrid. I think Zidane isn’t happy that Gareth scored a better goal than him. It sounds like a personal thing.

“The thing is Bale isn’t arrogant. He’s quiet. He will eat his dinner and not say much so maybe they then think he’s arrogant and just wants to play golf and not socialise, but he just wants to get on with what he’s getting on with.

“It annoys me because I always looked out for him. I watch him still at Real Madrid to see how he’s doing. He’s a lovely boy, well he’s a man now, and he’s done so well for himself. He is so successful yet he’s getting shafted.”

Bale earned his move to Madrid after starring in the Premier League, with there no plenty of talk that Harry Kane could soon tread a similar career path away from Tottenham.

Bentley concedes that the prolific striker is another who will be generating plenty of interest, but he cannot see a home-grown star being lured away from north London unless an “extraordinary offer” is tabled.

The ex-England international said of Kane: “When you have Daniel Levy in charge people won’t leave unless it’s financially correct for the football club.

“We will have to see how badly the club miss out on gate revenue because that’s what the stadium was built for and Champions League football is where the players want to be, but nobody will leave unless there is an extraordinary offer that’s for sure.”

Read the full 888sport interview with David Bentley here.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs to take an axe to his squad this summer, according to David Bentley, who says that around half of team is not worthy of playing for the club.

Since returning to action following the coronavirus pandemic, the Gunners have seen their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season fade with defeats against Manchester City and Brighton.

Although they have subsequently bounced back by defeating Southampton and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals with a dramatic success over Sheffield United on Sunday, major changes are required to make the Emirates Stadium outfit competitive again on a national scale, according to their former academy product.

“I don’t know what the thinking is at boardroom level because Arsenal need to ship out half the team and get a good core in. That’s difficult but can be done. The major problem is that we don’t know if they’re singing from the same hymn sheet at boardroom level,” David Bentley, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, said.

Bentley pinpointed David Luiz as a symbol of the club’s current struggles.

“I don’t know if it’s because of a lack of preparation in getting players in but the recruitment with the back four is a problem. It always has been. David Luiz is problematic,” he said.

“He’s a great technical player but if you want to bring the youth through and create a winning mentality is he really the type to help with that? I was surprised at the new contract.

“I don’t know why they didn’t look to bring in Gary Cahill or someone like that, over David Luiz. Maybe Luiz is more fashionable. Cahill has the core ability and has been there and done it. He would have been more of a fit for Arsenal.

“You look at Liverpool – and Manchester United are trying to do it – and they build a solid foundation that allows the players to express themselves. If you have solid back-four and solid spine of the team it’s easier for the young players to step into that. Instead Arsenal leak goals and look vulnerable.”

Arsenal currently lie ninth in the Premier League standings with seven games remaining and find themselves 11 points behind Chelsea in fourth, while they still have four of the top five to play.

Read the full 888sport interview with David Bentley here.

Belgian First Division A side Genk have announced the arrival of their African stars Paul Onuachu and Eboue Kouassi.

The duo departed the Luminus Arena in May to their home countries following the outbreak of coronavirus which forced football activities into a hiatus.

Onuachu joined the Blue-White last summer from Danish side Midtjylland and has become a key component of Hannes Wolf’s team.

The Nigeria international scored 10 goals and provided two assists in the recently ended 2019-20 campaign, helping his side to finish seventh.

Kouassi, meanwhile, teamed up with the Blue-White on loan in January from Scottish giants Celtic and delivered convincing showings which earned him a permanent deal.

Genk confirmed the Ivorian returned to the Luminus Arena on Thursday while Onuachu arrived on Saturday.

“Paul Onuachu and Eboue Kouassi are back in Genk after a stay in their home country - Nigeria and Ivory Coast respectively,” read a statement from the club website.

“Flying back from the African continent to Europe in corona times proved far from obvious.

“Onuachu trained until mid-May and then left for Nigeria. He returned to Genk via Paris on the night from Friday to Saturday.

“After the end of the group training, Eboue Kouassi continued to train individually for a while before flying to his native country. He has been back in our country since Thursday evening.”

The African stars have joined the rest of the squad in training ahead of their pre-season games in preparation for the 2020-21 campaign.

Onuachu, who started his career with Ebedei in Nigeria moved to Denmark in 2012 and teamed up with Midtjylland.

The 26-year-old forward bagged 52 goals in 135 league games during his seven-year stay with the MCH Arena outfit.  

The impressive performances immediately caught the attention of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, who handed the lanky striker a call-up in March 2019.

The forward made his debut for the West Africans against Egypt in a friendly and has now featured six times for the side.

He was part of the Super Eagles team that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and will hope to continue his fine showings for his club in order to enjoy more playing time with the national team.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Marcus Rashford to soon be back among the goals for Manchester United.

England forward Rashford has 22 goals for club and country this season, although he is yet to find the net since top-flight football resumed from its coronavirus hiatus.

United's return to Premier League action at Tottenham was Rashford's first appearance since suffering a double stress fracture of his back.

Although the 22-year-old supplied a pair of assists for Anthony Martial in last week's 3-0 victory against Sheffield United, he also spurned a pair of glorious chances to get on the scoresheet.

After that match, Solskjaer urged his team to be more clinical as a collective, but he has no concerns over Rashford individually.

"Of course Marcus has been out for a while but I think he's looked sharp, he came on and looked sharp against Norwich," the United boss said ahead of Tuesday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.

"Against Sheffield United he missed one or two chances but the goals he created is what we're focusing on and he's on his way to his best season ever. I'm looking forward to him getting more minutes and he'll definitely score a goal soon."

Rashford appeared as a substitute after the hour as Norwich City took United to extra-time in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Carrow Road, with captain Harry Maguire proving a more unlikely matchwinner in the 118th minute.

A semi-final encounter against Chelsea awaits with United the form team in England – their unbeaten run stretching back 14 games to a mid-January reverse against Burnley at Old Trafford.

"The players are working really hard and want to do as well as they can and, for me, as a team we're trying to implement our ideas," Solskjaer said. "Talk about 14 games, we can talk about the next one - go into the next game knowing you've won the previous game. It's a good place to be in."

United are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and victory at Brighton would move them level on points with Wolves in fifth and two shy of four-placed Chelsea – albeit having played a game more than Frank Lampard's Blues.

"I think every year you're in the Champions League is a great experience, for the players it's a step forward," Solskjaer added. "For us it's what we're striving to do, winning trophies, and we need to focus on one game at a time and there are so many teams that want that place.

"We can't get distracted about looking too far ahead and onto the next one."

Christian Pulisic has been told that “the sky’s the limit” for him at Chelsea, with fellow countryman Kasey Keller backing the United States international to star in English football.

Big things were expected of the 21-year-old forward when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2019.

Having burst onto the scene in Germany at Borussia Dortmund, the Blues were aware of the potential they were buying into.

Pulisic did take a while to find his feet in new surroundings, with no immediate burst out of the blocks enjoyed by the American playmaker.

A hat-trick against Burnley was, however, to light a Premier League fuse, with belief and confidence restored to the youngster’s game.

Another unfortunate setback was suffered when picking up a troublesome injury at the start of 2020, but a coronavirus-enforced break has worked in Pulisic’s favour.

Having returned to full fitness during a three-month hiatus, a key role is once again being nailed down in Frank Lampard’s plans.

Pulisic has found the target against Aston Villa and Manchester City, while also helping the Blues into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The desired impact is now being made by the precocious talent, with Keller – who spent several years in England with Millwall, Leicester and Tottenham – of the opinion that his compatriot can reach the very top of the game.

“I thought he was Chelsea's best player for the majority of the match,” former USMNT goalkeeper Keller told ESPN FC after seeing Pulisic catch the eye in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Leicester.

“What he's able to do in not just setting up other players but finding himself in goalscoring opportunities, [Kasper] Schmeichel made a brilliant save or he would have scored in the first half.

“If Pulisic can stay healthy and continue to learn and play better, there's no question I completely agree with Frank that the sky's the limit.

“You've seen that from him this season already. Alright, it's been stop-start, he's had a few injury issues, but now he looks to be back at full form.

“His ability to on the turn skate past defenders and create space for his team going forward and create goalscoring chances not just for himself but for his team-mates, that's a rare gift.

“Like I said, the sky's the limit.”

Pulisic has taken in 26 appearances across all competitions this season, with eight goals and six assists offered to the Chelsea cause.

Bayern Munich will not be knocked off their perch at the top of the Bundesliga, honorary president Uli Hoeness has warned the club’s rivals in Germany.

Although an early-season slump saw Bayern drop to seventh in the domestic standings under Niko Kovac, they recovered spectacularly once Hansi Flick was at the helm, powering to the title and winning it by 13 points ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, scoring exactly 100 goals in 34 games to boot.

This on-field statement of intent, which was highlighted by their 4-0 win over Wolfsburg on the final day of the season, has now been matched from the boardroom.

“It will be difficult for the others to match us in the future because Bayern is well equipped for the future, even in this coronavirus crisis,” Hoeness told Blickpunkt Sport . 

Each of the last eight Bundesliga titles has ended in the hands of the Allianz Arena club, who have seen the crown surrendered elsewhere on only six occasions since 1999.

Some critics have suggested that the apparent inevitability of their victories is making the Bundesliga boring, but Hoeness is not concerned.

“You can’t expect people at Bayern Munich to work only half a day to make the Bundesliga exciting again,” he said, stating that the direct competition “just need to make more effort” in order to make the title race more engrossing.

Schalke, meanwhile, are reportedly ready to introduce a voluntary salary cap within their club in order to mitigate any effects of the Covid-19 crisis, which saw clubs in Germany go nearly three months without competitive football and return with matches behind closed doors.

Hoeness, though, is more bullish about the future and says Bayern will not go down a similar path.

“You can’t forget the upper limit of salary, so you can’t go any further with these discussions,” he said.

“When the coronavirus crisis is over, football will prosper once again.”

While Bayern’s league commitments for the season have ended, they will play the DFB Pokal final against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, while they are still involved in the Champions League, a competition in which they hold a 3-0 advantage over Chelsea after the first leg of their last-16 clash.

Jesse Lingard has “come a little unstuck” at Manchester United, says Dwight Yorke, with the out-of-sorts playmaker told the time has come for him to “look elsewhere” in the next transfer window.

The Old Trafford academy graduate has found himself slipping down the pecking order in 2019-20. Much has been made of his lack of end product over the course of the last 18 months, with goals and assists proving to be in short supply.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has countered those creative deficiencies by drafting in Bruno Fernandes and handing more prominent roles to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

The hope is that Paul Pogba will also start to deliver the consistency expected of him, meaning that there is no place for Lingard in the bigger picture.

This not the first time that the England international has generated exit talk, but a change of scenery could now be on the cards. Lingard has already moved to bring in Mino Raiola as his agent, in what is considered another nod towards a move elsewhere, and Yorke believes a fresh start could prove beneficial to all concerned.

The former United striker told Stadium Astro on the back of seeing Lingard get a rare start against Norwich in the FA Cup quarter-finals, but last just 63 minutes: “The jury’s still out.

“We had a lot of hopes, he came through the ranks and we love that. He knows the club through and through, he loves the football club and we thought he was going to go on where Rashford is at the moment.

“He’s come a little unstuck at the moment and he has to find another gear somewhere along the line. At the moment, it’s just not happening.

“At 27 years of age, you ought to be a bit regular. If it’s not happening, maybe he has to look elsewhere. But for now, he’s still got some games and he’s still got to prove himself.

“ I think there is a little bit of a question mark over his name at the moment for sure, he’s fully aware of that, there’s no two ways about that. He knows that he’s not in the team and he needs to do more to get back in.”

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are determined to make the best out of the AFC U19 Championship that will be played in Uzbekistan in September as they look to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time ever.

To realise that lofty ambitions, plans are already in place to ensure that the Malaysia U19 head coach Brad Maloney will get the best resources available for selection and that includes Luqman Hakim and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal.

Speaking to the media, the team manager of the U19 squad Datuk Kamrul Ariffin assured fans that the preparations for the tournament has been going well and fans can expect Malaysia to field the best youth players that country has.

"Wan Kuzri is in the list of 35 players that will be called up and we are in the final stage of his documentation work. We are working hard to fly him back here from United States to join up with the training that will begin this month.

"He's a player we see that can improve the team and he has also stated his interest, so there's no conflict when it comes to the nationality because youth players have until the age of 21 to choose," said Kamarul.

The team is expected to convene on 6 July for the first centralised training after the easing of lockdown restrictions by the Malaysian government.

That being said, FAM are still working towards creating the right Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the safety of all squad.

At the same time, Kamarul was also pleased to see that Luqman will put on hold his plans to move abroad until the completion of the tournament that sees Malaysia in Group D competing against Qatar, Tajikistan and Yemen.

"I've followed closely the stories surrounding Luqman because he is a key player for us and it is great that he has decided to stay here until the end of the U19 tournament.

"While football is a team sport, Luqman has shown in previous tournaments what he could and is vital to our cause," Kamarul added.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says he will be forever thankful to Jurgen Klopp for offering him the chance to “become a legend” at Anfield and to continue chasing down major silverware.

A Brazil international is already a fan favourite on Merseyside, with his arrival in 2018 helping to put the Reds on a path which has led to the very top.

Eyebrows were raised when a £65 million ($80m) deal was put in place with Roma, but Alisson has repaid that show of faith by becoming a model of consistency for a Champions League and Premier League title-winning side.

Many consider his value to have soared across two productive seasons in England, with potential for the 27-year-old custodian to get even better.

Alisson intends to continue raising his game under the guidance of Klopp. Asked for his opinion of an enigmatic German coach, he told the Reds’ official website: “The maximum respect I can have for a person, I have for him.

“There’s not many words that I could describe, maybe in Portuguese I can do that better! But yeah, he means, I think, everything for this club, for the squad. He brought us together here, he gave me the opportunity to come to Liverpool, he makes me feel special inside.

“My team-mates make me feel special inside and the supporters also, everybody, but the boss has a special place in everything I think for everybody – for the club and also for the supporters because he gave his life to achieve those things that we are achieving.

“I will always respect him, have big respect for him, and also be thankful to him for bringing me here and giving me the opportunity to become a legend here for Liverpool.”

Klopp has guided Liverpool to domestic, continental and global crowns over the course of the last 12 months, with a 30-year wait for English top-flight title glory ended in style this season, but Alisson insists nobody at Anfield will be resting on their laurels.

He added on ambition for the future: “We did already something special for this club, but you can see from what every player says inside the dressing room that we want to do more.

“This is our desire, we want to win more, win more titles for this club, win more individual awards. We want to be the best team and to be the best we can, the best version of ourselves.

“The sky is the limit so we need to keep pushing, we look forward also for the next challenge. Now the next challenge is the next game, but in a long perspective we have the next season and we will do everything to win that again.”

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has explained the reason his players easily cruised to another Mainland Premier League title on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi were crowned champions for the third straight season despite securing a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya City.

Simba were in need of a draw to win the title after the then second-placed Azam FC dropped points against Biashara United in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Vandenbroeck, who clinched his first league diadem since joining the giants at the start of the season, has now revealed most of his players are dedicated to the course and always use their brains when playing in matches hence the reason they emerged winners again.

“I think I have the best team in Tanzania because in my squad, all the players want to score goals and also defend and it has pushed us to the title,” Vandenbroeck told Goal.

“All my players play as a unit, they push for one agenda and it has always become very easy to win matches, for example, if you look at my captain [John Bocco], he is a striker but sometimes you will find him defending when we are under attack.

“My players use brain football, and it is difficult to counter such players, they play as a unit and at the same time playing using the brain, and they always work together, if one player moves from his position, there is always another player to cover for him.”

Vandenbroeck also took his time to thank the club fans for always rallying behind the team in difficult and good times.

“The fans have also played a huge role to give us the title, they have never given up, they have never disappointed us, they follow us whenever we go to support us and that is why we also push ourselves to do well for them,” Vandenbroeck continued.

Vandenbroeck will be expected to perform better than his predecessor Patrick Aussems who got knocked out from the preliminary stage by UD Songo of Mozambique in Dar es Salaam.

The league victory underlines Simba and Yanga's dominance in the Tanzanian competition in the last decade since the two arch-rivals and Azam FC in one attempt, have bagged the title alone.

Simba's three successful consecutive campaigns, in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and in the 2019/20 seasons has matched Yanga's record achieved in the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.

It is the second time Simba have been champions in three straight campaigns as the same fete was achieved from 1993 to 1995 and apart from Yanga and Simba, no other Tanzanian club has managed to win the league gong and defend it in three or more consecutive seasons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Angel Gomes to leave Manchester United on June 30 after failing to agree a new contract with the midfielder.

The teenager was offered a new deal, but Gomes and his representatives have failed to come to an agreement and the 19-year-old is set to leave the club on a free transfer.

Solskjaer had said just last week he was hopeful terms could be agreed to keep the midfielder at the club, but the United manager had changed his tune ahead of the team’s trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Asked if Gomes would be staying at the club Solskjaer replied: “I’ve got no news, nothing, so it doesn't look like it.”

Pushed further on whether the player would be leaving Solskjaer added: “I've not heard from them last night or this morning, it seems like they haven't managed to agree so the answer is probably short and yes, then.”

Gomes was handed his debut by Jose Mourinho in the final game of the 2016-17 season off the bench against Crystal Palace and has remained part of the first-team set-up since.

However, as contract negotiations stalled he has struggled for game time this season, making just three appearances in the Europa League and he has not been part of the three match-day squads since the Premier League restart.

It is understood United had offered Gomes, who has been training at the club since the age of six, a deal worth around £30,000 a week but he had concerns over playing time and there has been interest from other clubs.

United travel to Brighton on Tuesday night for their third league game since the restart, and despite Graham Potter’s side still being at risk of relegation, Solskjaer is expecting a tough test but thinks having no fans could benefit United.

“They’re a good footballing side, play football and make it hard for you, not been down there myself and fans, of course, they (the fans) matter and have an impact on games and football,” Solskjaer said.

“To get out of this lockdown period is going to be fantastic but at the moment we have to deal with the situation as it is, and as an away team sometimes it helps you but then again when you're at the bottom, the pressure of fans can get to you and give an extra edge.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised the work ethic and attitude of fellow Liverpool academy graduate Neco Williams.

While Alexander-Arnold is a long-established presence in the Reds starting XI, featuring 127 times for the top team since debuting in 2016 in the EFL Cup, Williams made his Premier League bow last Wednesday against Crystal Palace.

The Wales Under-19 right-back, who must vie for a spot in the team with his England international colleague, played the last 16 minutes of the champions’ 4-0 victory.

Alexander-Arnold is full of praise for the youngster, highlighting the player’s “eagerness to learn and improve every single day” in an interview with the club’s official website.

He said: “You can see him improving and picking up little things every day - likewise with all the young lads - and I think there’s no better place for young players to be than at Liverpool, to be given the chances like they got [against Palace]. 

“To be given the opportunity to train with world-class players is only going to make you better and prepare you for days like this so I was over the moon with the way he’s performed and likewise with Harvey [Elliott] when he came on. 

“They’ve shown the quality and shown that when the gaffer is ready then they will be given the chance - and they deserve the chance as well.”

With the league title now locked down for the first time in 30 years, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could offer more opportunities to the club’s academy stars to shine in the first team, although the former Borussia Dortmund boss may also have one eye on breaking Manchester City’s record for points in a single campaign.

After 31 matches of the season, the Anfield side have picked up 86 points, drawing two games and losing only one. As such, the 100-point total amassed by Pep Guardiola’s side in 2017-18 is now well in sight, with the Reds still capable of reaching 107.

Next up for Klopp’s men is a meeting with City on Thursday at the Etihad Stadium, where they are set to be given a guard of honour by the team they have replaced as champions.

Cote d’Ivoire international Jeremie Boga has recorded his first double for club and country after striking twice in Sassuolo’s 3-3 draw over Hellas Verona in Sunday’s Serie A outing.

The midfielder’s second-half efforts proved handy for the Black Greens as they ensured the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Sassuolo went into the encounter on the back of their 3-3 draw against Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan on Wednesday, as they aimed to silence the visiting Mastiffs.

Nevertheless, they were shell shocked in the empty Mapei Stadium-Citta del Tricolore as the visitors took a 51st-minute lead through Darko Lazovic who unleashed an unstoppable missile past goalkeeper Andrea Consigli at the edge of the box.

However, it was the second-half substitute who levelled matters for the hosts two minutes later. The 25-year-old capitalised on disorganised defending from Verona to fire past Marco Silvestri.

In the 57th minute, the visitors restored their lead through Mariusz Stepinski. The Polish forward chested into an empty net after Lazovic had chipped a cross to him in the penalty area after displacing defender Mert Muldur.

The game looked over for Sassuolo who conceded a third goal courtesy of Matteo Pessina’s solo effort, but the hosts who are chasing a place in Europe next season never gave up.

First, Boga completed his double in the 77th minute after firing into the top corner after receiving a pass from Francesco Caputo in the opponent’s goal area before Rogerio evened the scores with his 90th-minute strike.

Since he began his professional career in 2015, it was the first time the ex-Chelsea man would find the net at least twice to take his goal tally in the Italian top-flight to 10 after 27 matches.

His compatriot Hamed Traore who is on-loan from Empoli was brought in for Gregoire Defrel in the 72nd minute, while Equatorial Guinea international Pedro Obiang replaced Morocco’s Mehdi Bourabia 10 minutes later.

For Hellas, Ghana’s Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu came in for Miguel Veloso after 67 minutes, while Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat was on parade from start to finish.

Ranked 12th in the log having accrued 34 points from 28 outings, Sassuolo are guests of Fiorentina on Wednesday.

South African Football Association’s (Safa) head of referees Tenda Masikhwa says their officials are ready to hit the ground running as far as the restart of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season is concerned.

He says their officials were given training programmes since the country’s Level 5 of the lockdown with the help of Fifa’s Mademba Mbacke who heads Africa’s fitness team, they have been working hard behind the scenes.

With media reports suggesting the PSL season could be completed in one province, Masikhwa says he is confident the referees are ready to get back to the field but insists protocols will still need to be followed.

“The departments of health and sport have set strict criteria before they can sanction any sporting event. The checks and balances need to be in place to safeguard everyone, and this includes the match officials,” Masikhwa told City Press.

“The [Safa and PSL] task team has been working hard to ensure that the protocols for match officials – referees, assistant referees, and match commissioners – are in place.

“Specific protocols speak to specific functions to make the event a success, so it is certainly not a case of one size fits all. Referees have different roles to play and, therefore, the protocols need to be different too.

“Given that the rounding up of the 2019/20 season may be in tournament format, we are more than ready to meet the demands that may be placed on match officials.

“The match officials and match commissioners have been working hard – in confinement – during the months since the national state of the disaster was declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa [in March].

“Our fitness coaches, led by [Safa referees fitness instructor] Derek Hanson, has given the match officials training programmes to follow since lockdown Level 5.”

With Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa having announced that PSL clubs can return to training last week, the league’s governing body is yet to indicate on when they can go-ahead as well as the dates and venues for the remaining games.

“The Fifa fitness team in Africa, led by Mademba Mbacke, has given guidelines for our fitness coaches and, indeed, all leagues returning to competition, to follow to ensure that match officials are competition-ready and pose no risk of injuries or even worse, death,” he added.

“Each match official has had to upload their training data and training logbook to a central database.

"The data was analyzed and the fitness coaches then gave each match official assigned to them specific feedback to improve their level of fitness. We are therefore confident that match officials are close to competition readiness.

“We also know that a match official does not only need to be fitness-ready but also match-ready. We are therefore looking at how we can meet this target, just like players need actual game time and friendlies to sharpen their skills.”

After the matches were forcefully halted in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kaizer Chiefs lead the table with 48 points followed by Mamelodi Sundowns who have 44.

Sharing third spot is Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United who are both tied on 40 points so far.

Arjen Robben always had belief in the skills which would make him one of the most successful wingers in European football, according to former team-mate Johan Vonlanthen - who revealed the Dutchman was also a dab hand on the PlayStation.

Robben and Vonlanthen played together in the Eredivisie for PSV in the 2003-04 season - although they did not win a trophy that season, coming second in the league, the Dutch winger showed enough ability to earn a move to Chelsea in the summer.

He went on to enjoy a stellar career, winning titles in England with the Blues, in Spain with Real Madrid and in Germany with Bayern Munich, including the Champions League.

Robben retired in 2019, but last week announced he will come out of retirement for the 2020-21 season with Groningen in the Netherlands, his first ever club.

Former Switzerland international Vonlanthen revealed his admiration for Robben, saying that even as a young player he was fully focused on making the most of his talents and having a successful career - although he did find time to occasionally defeat his team-mate in football's video game equivalent.

Speaking exclusively to Goal and SPOX, Vonlanthen said: "Arjen's apartment was just around the corner, at most a hundred metres from mine. I was with him very often and got to know his girlfriend and parents. His life, unlike mine, was very well organised, nothing was left to chance regarding Arjen's future.

"However, we often found the time to play PlayStation. You couldn't beat him in Pro Evolution Soccer. The way he played on the football pitch, he also gambled on the PlayStation. It was absolutely amazing what this boy was able to do on the games console."

On the real pitch, however, was where Robben truly shone with total confidence in his skill - even if it rubbed team-mates up the wrong way on occasions.

Vonlanthen said: "Arjen didn't care whether he got the ball on the wings or in the middle - he grabbed the ball, went with it alone and tried to finish. Many team-mates were upset that he kept dribbling. Then he said, 'Okay, that's fine. Next time I'll give you the ball'. A few seconds later he started to go alone with the ball again.

"Even then, he had outstanding qualities. I met him when he was 18 years old. I admired how focused and mentally stable he was despite his age. He knew exactly what he could do.

"Usually, young players struggle with fluctuations in performance, this is completely normal. In Arjen I could never see such fluctuations, he just didn't make any mistakes. Instead, he was the deciding man in almost every game I've played with him."

Wazito FC have reportedly turned down a huge transfer offer to sell key defender Johnstone Omurwa to Petro Atletico.

According to the player, the Angolan giants have shown a keen interest to go for his services and have been calling him on many occasions to help finalise the move.

“Petro Atletico officials first approached me last month, but I never knew they were serious,” Omurwa is quoted by Standard Sports. “So, I jokingly referred them to the club because I still have a running contract.

“They [Petro] told me they were ready to give Wazito about Sh10 million for my release. But coach Stewart Hall called me and told me he still needs me in his team and promised to engage the club to review my contractual terms. 

“Interestingly, that has not stopped Petro officials from calling me. It seems they have not given up on me. But I have told them to be patient as I engage my club.”

However, Wazito CEO Dennis Gicheru says they have not been contacted by any club seeking the services of the player and went further to state even if they got offers for the player, they are not ready to sell.

“Nobody has approached us about Omurwa and we are not aware of Petro Atletico’s interest. If they reach out to us, the board of directors will make a decision. But Omurwa is one of our key players and basically, he is not up for sale,” Gicheru is quoted by Standard Sports.

Petro are not new in Kenya having raided champions Gor Mahia for their lead striker Jacques Tuyisenge last season.

Omurwa, who also featured for national team Harambee Stars, is a key player for Wazito, who earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and managed to survive relegation when the league was ended prematurely owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Angolan clubs also signed Kenyan striker Allan Wanga in 2007, before the striker returned to Kenya. Wanga currently features for Kakamega Homeboyz in the top-flight.

BUL FC defender Musa Walangalira has revealed the secrets of his career's longevity.

Born on December 25, 1980, Walangalira has been in football since he launched his career during his Secondary School days. 

“Self-discipline, for instance, foregoing women, alcohol, and avoiding wrong and misleading peer groups,” Walangalira told Fufa's official website.

“Of course, I am one of those most disciplined players any coach would want to work with. But discipline alone is not enough to see you prosper to any level of playing football if you don’t work hard.

“I give coaches the utmost respect they deserve. I don’t pretend but I was brought up like that. Meanwhile, my on-pitch strength is to balance the defence, clearing aerial balls and game reading.

“Otherwise, I am hard but not rough like many say and that is why I rarely get yellow cards.”

He had the taste of the Ugandan Premier League first at Police FC under coach Sam Timbe.

“I could study in the morning and train in the afternoon with my club Police FC. However, I concurrently played for my village team Budondo United too during holidays while at home,” added the experienced defender.

Walangalira has played against KCCA FC's Mike Mutyaba, Allan Okello and Tito Okello and accepts the fact they are the best he has encountered.

“These players are brave and rarely receive the ball close to the opponent. So, you must be so intelligent to stop them anyway,” revealed the Ugandan.

For his experience, Walangalira has a special message to young players.

“Each player should always have a target wherever given the chance to play. It helps one to perform better,” says the defender.

“They should play knowing there is life after active football.”

Although time might not be on his side, Walangalira hopes to lead the Cranes in international assignments.

“Winning trophies and representing the country on the continent,” he stated when asked of what he would want to achieve.

“I feel I have one season from now. I will then concentrate on personal business immediately when I retire. I have a retail electronic shop business in Jinja Central market,” Walangalira said on his future desires.

The star is also confident the change in Uganda's soccer is coming.

“Gone are the days when football was built only at the top. I mean super league levels but now the reverse is true,” he explained.

“Structures are put in place and you will see everyone realize his/her potential in the beautiful game.”

Walangalira's football idols are Ibrahim Ssekajja a former Uganda captain and ex-Manchester United defender and captain Rio Ferdinard.

He has won a number of accolades including the UPL Best Defender in 2016 and also guided JMC Hippos FC to gain promotion in the 2015/16 season.

He started playing at Naggalama Islamic SS in 2000 and also had stints at Budondo United and Buwenda FC before joining Old Timers for a poor season in 2003.

Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool supporters to celebrate the club’s Premier League title win responsibly, as he condemned the mass gatherings seen in the city last Friday. 

In an open letter to the Liverpool ECHO newspaper, the Reds boss insisted it was vital that fans “stay at home as much as possible”, promising that they will be able to “paint the city red” when the time is right and the threat of coronavirus has subsided. 

Klopp said he was dismayed by the sight of thousands of Liverpudlians gathering after their first league championship since 1990 was confirmed by Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night.

Fans congregated outside Anfield in the immediate aftermath, but it was Friday night’s scenes at the Pier Head in the city centre which Klopp referenced specifically. 

He wrote: “I love your passion, your songs, your refusal to accept defeat, your commitment, your understanding of the game and your faith in what we are doing. 

“Even though you cannot be at our games at the moment I love that you still made sure that you were with us by making the Kop look like the Kop even if it cannot sound like it. I cannot begin to tell you how much the players and myself appreciated that and I have no doubt that it was one of the reasons why our performance against Crystal Palace was so good.

“What I did not love – and I have to say this – was the scenes that took place at the Pier Head on Friday. I am a human being and your passion is also my passion but right now the most important thing is that we do not have these kind of public gatherings. 

“We owe it to the most vulnerable in our community, to the health workers who have given so much and whom we have applauded and to the police and local authorities who help us as a club not to do this. 

“Please - celebrate - but celebrate in a safe way and in private settings, whereby we do not risk spreading this awful disease further in our community.”

The Pier Head gathering has been condemned by council officials and Merseyside Police, who confirmed that two men had been arrested, one on suspicion of assault and another on suspicion of arson after a firework struck the city’s iconic Royal Liver Buildings, causing at least £10,000 worth of damage.

Klopp added: “If things were different I would love nothing more than to celebrate together, to have a parade that would be even bigger than the one after we won the Champions League last year, so that we could all share this special moment but it just is not possible.

“We have all done so much to fight Covid-19 and this effort cannot go to waste. We owe it to ourselves and each other to do what is right and at this moment that means being together and being there for one another by being apart.

“When the time is right we will celebrate. We will enjoy this moment and we will paint the city red. But for now, please stay at home as much as possible. This is not the time to be in the city centre in big numbers or to go near football grounds. 

“At the start of this crisis I said that we did not want to play in an empty stadium but if it meant that it helped just one person stay healthy we would do it no questions asked and nothing has changed to make me alter this view.

“I already knew and liked the German word solidarität before I came to Liverpool and now I have learned that the English word is solidarity because I have heard it used by our supporters during the last few months. 

“For me, it is the word more than any other that captures what Liverpool people are about. It is why they have come together to make PPE, it is why they have delivered food parcels and medicines to people when they have needed it most and it is why they come together in so many different ways during such a difficult time.

“If we can keep on coming together by being separate we will hopefully play a big part in the fight against this disease. I know that we can do this because I have experienced what a difference can be made and the players and myself have benefited from it. 

“Hopefully in a few months from now, or longer if necessary, I can write another letter to the Liverpool Echo to thank you for putting the health of our people ahead of everything else. Nothing would make me prouder.”