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Former South Africa midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane feels Safa should have been patient with Pitso Mosimane and they erred by removing the coach from his post at the helm of Bafana Bafana.

Mosimane served as South Africa coach between 2010 and 2012, having previously been assistant to Brazilians Carlos Alberto Parreira and Joel Santana for a combined four years.

But his time with the national team ended after Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Letsholonyane says Safa took the right direction in opting for continuity by letting Mosimane take over from Parreira, but blundered in letting him go after just two years in charge.

“Obviously, for consistency, you need a coach that will be their long-term,” Letsholonyane told Sport24 .

"Things won't go your way all the time... you will lose games. Yes, results are important, but there are other things that are more important than results.

"Coaches should be given time to settle in and figure out what he wants.

"After the 2010 Soccer World Cup when Pitso took over, I think we as the national team played a very good type of football - exciting, entertaining and we were passionate about doing our job.

"Every player that was coming into the national team knew what they were brought in to do. I think coach Pitso had a plan, he knew what he wanted the national team to look like in the next four years.

"I could see in every national camp that he would always include five or six young players.

"He had a plan to groom the young players as well, but unfortunately he got fired. I think if Pitso was still coach Bafana would be in a much better state than we are right now."

After Mosimane’s departure, Gordon Igesund, Ephraim Mashaba and Stuart Baxter all had a chance at the helm. but Bafana Bafana still struggled to reclaim the success they enjoyed in the 1990s.

They failed to qualify for the 2014 and 2018 Fifa World Cup finals as well as the 2017 Afcon.

Quarter-final elimination from the 2013 Afcon as hosts and finishing bottom of Group C at the 2015 edition marked some low moments for South Africa.

An almost encouraging run at the 2019 tournament highlighted by eliminating hosts Egypt at the Round of 16 was, however, far from their 1996 feat of being crowned champions, or even being losing finalists in 1998.

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has advised Arsenal to give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a new contract which is "performance-based".

The 31-year-old Gabonese forward's deal at the Emirates Stadium expires in June 2021 and there has been no progress in talks to renew his contract.

He recently admitted that nothing has been brought to the table and he is yet to personally decide on his future.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was, however, positive that the right agreement can be reached even as reports link Auba with a move to Barcelona.

"If the market pays players like this player with his ability £250,000 a week, whether that’s right or wrong is irrelevant, that’s what you’ve got to pay somebody if you want to retain their services," Jordan told TalkSPORT.

“The only challenge for Arsenal is that he would have no economic resale value [if he signed a new deal]. They can’t sell him for anything.

“If he signs another two or three-year contract, they won’t be signing a player to not only achieve things in the short-term but also make some money off when they come to sell him further down the line, they’d be simply be saying ‘we pay money now to get some short-term success, because that’s what Mikel Arteta needs'.

"I would do something footballers don’t like to do, which is make the offer performance-related.

“I would be saying to Aubameyang: ‘You want £250,000 a week? I tell you what, I’ll give you £300,000 a week if you score X amount of goals’.

"Let’s make this about you, let’s make it about your achievement, let’s make it about your individual return’.

“But players often want guarantees, and then the bonuses on top. It’s about finding the middle ground.”

Aubameyang has scored 20 goals this season, 17 of them in the Premier League.

The former Borussia Dortmund man will look to add to the tally when Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night to tackle Manchester City after a three-month suspension of football activities because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Arteta's charges currently occupy ninth position on the table, eight points away from the top four.

Monaco have appointed Paul Mitchell as sporting director.

The 38-year-old has left his position as technical director of Red Bull's football division to join the Ligue 1 club, where he will report to executive vice-president Oleg Petrov.

Laurence Stewart, who worked alongside Mitchell at Red Bull as head of global scouting, will also take up a role with Monaco.

"I am looking forward to coming to Monaco," Mitchell said to the club's website. 

"I would like to thank Mr. Oleg Petrov and the club for their trust. I would also like to thank Red Bull for the years I spent at their side.

"I am looking forward to taking up my position, meeting the teams and starting to work together to develop the project and establish a sustainable philosophy for the club."

Mitchell will take charge of every aspect of Monaco's sporting policy, including the academy and first team and the link with satellite club Cercle Brugge.

“It is a great satisfaction to welcome Paul Mitchell to AS Monaco after several successful years with Red Bull and I would like to thank Red Bull for making his appointment possible in a very professional manner,” Petrov said.

"Paul will bring his skills in the detection, recruitment and development of our players, from the academy to the first team.

"Paul will be in charge of the sporting life of Monaco and I am convinced that his arrival will significantly strengthen our project."

Former defender and midfielder Mitchell, who played for Wigan and MK Dons before retiring from the game in 2008, worked as head of recruitment at Southampton before following Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham to take up a similar position.

He joined RB Leipzig in 2018 before taking over a broader remit within the Red Bull group, which saw him deal with the Bundesliga outfit as well as MLS side Red Bull New York and Brazilian team Red Bull Bragantino.

Mitchell had been linked with a move to Manchester United, although talk of the Red Devils creating a head of football position has quietened in recent months following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival.

Christian Eriksen "will become decisive" for Inter after an underwhelming start to his career at San Siro, according to Stefan de Vrij.

Eriksen completed a €20 million (£18m/$22m) move to Inter from Tottenham in January, bringing to an end his seven-year stay in the Premier League.

The Denmark international established himself as one of Europe's top midfielders at Spurs, but struggled to adjust to the demands of Serie A football during his first couple of months in the Italian capital.

The 28-year-old had been restricted to just eight appearances for Inter before the season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, including one start, and had yet to score his first goal for the club.

However, he returned with a point to prove as Italian football got back underway last week, scoring directly from a corner to help Inter earn a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the second-leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final.

That strike gave Antonio Conte's men a 2-1 aggregate victory and sent them through to Wednesday's final against Juventus, who knocked out Milan in the first of the last-four ties.

De Vrij has been impressed with Eriksen's application in training and thinks his new team-mate is capable of building on his latest performance to add a whole new dimension to Inter's midfield.

The Nerazzurri centre-back told DAZN: "He can become decisive and I think he will become decisive. Now he is getting used to the game, he begins to learn the language. 

"In training, we all see that he is very strong and soon we will see his pure qualities on the field."

De Vrij also reserved praise for Inter's star forward duo Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku, as he added: "They are very strong physically. They are a fast and mobile couple. In training, I noticed that they are two very difficult to mark strikers. 

"By training with them we can all improve. Lukaku is very well. He feels at home, he is always positive and tries to help In the game, when I can, of course, I look for him.

"Of course he can still improve, like all of us."

Pressed on the philosophy Conte has implemented at Inter since inheriting the managerial reigns last summer, De Vrij responded: "He is a great coach, he conveys a lot of passion and desire to win. 

"He wants us to play very aggressively and that we build from the bottom.

"He is very attentive to the tactics and cuts that can make the difference. The first game will be the most important, we are preparing at best to be ready. "

Hassan Oktay has confessed he did not have a stand-out player at Gor Mahia during his one-year stint with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

The Turkish coach, who signed for K’Ogalo at the start of the 2018-19 season, replacing Dylan Kerr, has exclusively told Goal he did not have a favourite player in the squad either because all of them were devoted to the success of the club.

“I had great boys, who played for Gor Mahia, and for me was every single one and as a coach, I never see one special than the other, because every player on the pitch worked very hard to take responsibilities,” Oktay told Goal from his base in Britain.

“It was difficult for me to pick the favourite as all of them were fighting for the badge, they strived to make sure we get positive results, it was a great family, with a great group of boys, who wanted to learn new ideas every day and I was very happy to have been their leader.”

Asked about the toughest opponent he ever faced in the KPL, “Oktay said: “For me, it is quite a similar level and sometimes, luck doesn’t help, maybe KCB a little bit and also Bandari, but anyway, I could not see any teams that were ready to fight and stop Gor Mahia.”

Oktay also picked the emphatic 4-2 win against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the group phase of the Caf Confederation Cup and the 1-0 victory against Petro Atletico de Luanda of Angola as the best moments he had with the club.

“Beating [Zamalek] and by a huge margin was definitely one of the moments I will always remember about Gor Mahia, we played against a very strong side but still managed to beat them 4-2, it was an incredible result, a good one for the team and the fans," Oktay continued.

“Also the win against [Petro Atletico] was memorable because it enabled us to reach the quarter-finals of the Confederation Cup. It was the first time Gor Mahia were reaching the stage in history and they did it in emphatic style, beating another very strong side.”

On what he misses most about Gor Mahia, Oktay simply responded: “I miss the fans, they were incredible, they pushed us to do the best and we never disappointed them.”

On his lowest moment at the club, Oktay explained: “It was when my players staged a go-slow demanding for salaries and we had a very crucial Caf match coming up, it really affected my team.”

The 47-year-old tactician quit the 18-time champions for personal reasons after helping them to win the league and reach the last eight of the Caf Confederation Cup.

Lionel Messi must help Antoine Griezmann start scoring goals to ensure the French attacker does not suffer the same fate as Philippe Coutinho at Barcelona, Rivaldo says.

Griezmann joined the Spanish giants from Atletico Madrid last summer after a long speculation-filled saga, as was the case with Coutinho before his move from Liverpool to Camp Nou in January 2018.

Coutinho ended up being sent to Bayern Munich on a season-long loan in August 2019 after he failed to live up to expectation in La Liga and is expected to be sold on a permanent basis in the next transfer window.

Griezmann, meanwhile, has made 39 appearances and scored 14 times for Barca, but he has not found the net in his last four matches.

Ex-Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo fears the World Cup winner’s place at the club may be under threat and feels it is up to captain Messi to help boost his confidence.

“Barca have won both their games since the restart, with Antoine Griezmann as a starter, but he continues to be far from the player he was at Atletico Madrid and some are wondering if he may become a 'new Coutinho' at Barcelona,” he told Betfair.

“It's harsh to start making those comparisons, but it's up to the player to prove it on the pitch.

“The lack of goals is demotivating and damages Griezmann's confidence, so I believe it's important for Lionel Messi to help him.

“Messi could, for example, let Griezmann take penalties when Barcelona are winning comfortably - just to get the Frenchman scoring - just like he did with Luis Suarez in the past.”

Current Barca boss Quique Setien replaced Ernesto Valverde in January and his side have won 10 of the 14 matches they have played during his tenure.

Rivaldo admits the Blaugrana have not been at their best, but he feels it is too early to judge the 61-year-old.

“Barcelona beat Leganes 2-0 last night but they didn't produce a great performance and many are still sceptical about Quique Setien's new system. I think it's difficult to pass judgement after just two matches post-lockdown.

“We need to wait a few more weeks to see how the team evolves. It's understandable that their rhythm and intensity isn't at its peak yet as they were a lot of time without playing or training.

"There are players returning from injuries and others still looking to be fit, so we must give them some more time before deciding if Setien's system can truly work in the long run.

“At the moment, and while the quality of play is not yet at his best, the most important thing is for Barcelona to continue grabbing wins, to keep the leadership of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid and put pressure on them.”

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has rubbished media reports it has taken a final decision to cancel the 2019-20 football season amid the coronavirus disruptions.

All domestic football competitions, including the Premier League and the FA Cups for both men and women, have been on hold since March following a national ban on public gatherings, including sporting and religious events, as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

With the number of infection cases in the West African country rising, there has been huge uncertainty over the future of the campaign.

“Our attention has been drawn to a publication on ghanasoccernet.com with the headline ‘Ghana FA ExCo unanimously vote to cancel season’. The story informed all stakeholders of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the public that the Executive Council took a decision to cancel the 2019/20 football season at their meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020,” the GFA announced on its official website on Wednesday.

“The GFA wishes to put on record that the said publication on ghanasoccernet.com is false, malicious, and intended to cause injury to the reputation of the GFA.

"The publication is also calculated to deliberately cause confusion and disdain among the members of the Association, sponsors, players, club owners and other stakeholders.

“The GFA wishes state categorically that no such decision was taken by the Executive Council of the GFA and as such the publication should be disregarded and treated with contempt by our stakeholders and the public.

“We are extremely concerned that though the Association has good relationship with the media and ghanasoccernet.com, the website failed to crosscheck the story with the Communications Department of the Association, thereby failing to comply with the ethics of journalism.

"Indeed, there is no prize for fake news in the Code of Ethics of the noble profession.”

The football fraternity has been divided about the way forward for the season. While a section wants the campaign annulled altogether in favour of a new term in August/September, another group want the current season continued whenever it is safe to do so.

The GFA has said it would wait until at least June 30 to take a final decision. Football, though, remains suspended in Ghana until at least July 31.

“The Association has in countless media publications stated and repeated Tuesday, June 30, 2020 as a deadline for its final decision on the season after considering all factors including but not limited to the outcome of the various consultations, discussions and engagements with all our stakeholders, such as clubs, sponsors, and government," the statement added.

“The GFA has also taken notice of other fake and negative publications on the same website, such as the one with the headline, Ghana FA to lose MTN FA Cup sponsorship if the season is cancelled.

“Though we hasten to conclude that there is a deliberate agenda to destroy the efforts of the Association to #BringBackTheLove, the website leaves us with only a little doubt that it wishes to harm the corporate image of the GFA, its members and our proud partners.

“The GFA would continue to open its doors to all media networks, however, the Association would not hesitate to seek legal redress to defend its corporate image when the Association is deliberately and/or recklessly maligned or injured through unverified reportage.

“The GFA expect a retraction of the fake story immediately and an apology to the Association and all our stakeholders forthwith.

“Once again, we wish to assure the public and all stakeholders that the Executive Council of the Association will take a decision on June 30, 2020 after considering all factors on the subject matter, a decision that would be in the best interest of Ghana Football.”

The men’s Premier League, Ghana’s elite domestic competition, was at the matchweek 15 stage when the ban on public gatherings came into force.

Safa have confirmed that they are investigating Chippa United for allegedly breaking lockdown regulations by grouping up during training.

Under the current lockdown alert level three, professional sporting disciplines that involve contact have been given the green light to start training by the government, but under strict and authorised health protocols.

Safa and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will have to first get approval on their health and safety conformity measures from the government before clubs can resume practising as groups.

But Chippa are said to have already hit the ground running training, with sources informing Times Live that the team has been training at Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth under the supervision of coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Safa said they have received the reports of Chippa returning to training and the local football body has since have launched a probe into the allegations.

“We are investigating this issue which has come to our attention, once we have got the facts we will issue a statement,” said Safa spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi as per Times Live.

Chippa United chief operating officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi said they have begun internal investigations as well.

“I am going to investigate this matter internally and whoever is found to have broken the rules and regulations will be brought to book,” Mzinzi told the same publication.

Chippa’s actions could be interpreted as pressure on Mokwena who is at a club known to have no patience with their coaches.

The Chilli Boys are six points above basement side Black Leopards with six remaining games to play if the season restarts.

But Mokwena, who has been leased to Chippa by his parent club Orlando Pirates, is facing an uncertain future in Port Elizabeth.

Chippa says they weighing up their options on the coach and intend to discuss with Pirates on the possibility of retaining him.

"The coach's contract is coming to an end this month, along with quite a number of other employees including the players,” Sowetan Live quoted Mzinzi as saying.

"We are sitting as the club and looking into all of those things. In particular, the renewal of the coach's contract is not a decision that we will take alone, we will have to take the decision with Orlando Pirates [who loaned him to Chippa]. But we are looking into these things and we will issue a statement soon."

The Ghana Police is advancing its investigation into a shooting incident during a Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea in January, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced.

In a fixture at Kumasi's Baba Yara Sports Stadium, proceedings were halted for about 10 minutes late into the game as home supporters hurled missiles onto the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision.

There was more trouble after the final whistle, the tie having ended 1-0 in favour of visiting Chelsea, as the angry Kotoko fans sought to attack the referee, provoking a clash with local police and leading to serious injuries.

"The Ghana Police Service has officially informed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that the Police Administration has requested for a 'full report' on investigations conducted into the unfortunate shooting incident which occurred at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi some months ago," the GFA announced on its official website on Wednesday.

"This is a follow-up on an earlier letter sent to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from the GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, on May 11, 2020, seeking an update on investigations into the said incident.

"A letter signed by COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, a Director-General at the Police Headquarters in Accra and addressed to the President of the GFA upon a directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) stated: 'The Police Administration has requested for full report on the alleged shooting of a football fan at the Baba Yara Stadium. You would be informed of latest development in due course'."

Reports indicate violence broke out in the game after Kotoko centre-back Empem Dacosta was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The Porcupine Warriors protested the second yellow card, insisting the foul was instead committed by midfielder Kwame Adom.

After the match, the clash continued, leading to some injuries. A Kotoko fan suffered a bullet wound in the eye and was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The Ghana Police promptly launched investigations into the incident.

The GFA Disciplinary Committee, meanwhile, charged Kotoko on four accounts and forced the club to play five matches behind closed doors.

The number of matches were later reduced to three for the Porcupine Warriors.

In a related development, the GFA has also announced the Ghana Police Administration is currently considering the idea of setting up a special unit in the Police Service to handle sports-related issues.
 

Stephy Mavididi's spell at Dijon will be coming to an end after the player was unwilling to continue playing for the Cote-d'Or outfit.

The 22-year0old joined the Owls from Juventus for the 2019-20 season and scored eight goals in all competitions, making 30 appearances.

Dijon have the right to purchase Mavididi for €5 million at the end of his loan deal, but the Anglo-Congolese player is not willing to continue and will, therefore, return to Juventus.

Stephane Jobard's men finished 16th in the abruptly-ended Ligue 1 season with 30 points, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Dijon president Olivier Delcourt made a statement expressing his disappointment with Mavididi.

He went on to assert that the club is looking for other options, players with commitment, as they prepare for a new Ligue 1 season.

"We were not going to exercise a five million euro purchase option to then go to the showdown with the player [Mavididi]," read a statement by Dijon president Olivier Delcourt on the club website.

"I am very disappointed with this procedure. Dijon invested in him, gave him his confidence and allowed him to offer himself a beautiful exhibition in Ligue 1.

“We are following other very interesting players, at the same position, and who will have the real will to fight for our club. This mindset will be one of our main areas of recruitment for this transfer market. I want real competitors."

Mavididi was born in the British city of Derby and started out his career as a youth with Arsenal. He never made a senior appearance for the Gunners and was loaned out to Charlton Athletic and Preston North End before Juventus signed him in 2018.

He made only one appearance for the Bianconeri in a 2-1 loss at SPAL on April 13, 2019.

Mavididi's return to Juventus will most likely see him sent out on loan again or sold to another club as competition for places in the Bianconeri attack is very high, with superstars in Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi on the list.

Juve currently top the Serie A standings with 63 points, one point clear of Lazio and will resume league action this weekend away to Bologna.

Kaizer Chiefs have written to Fifa to question whether they will be allowed to sign and register players before their hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in September. 

The Soweto giants were banned from making new signings following Fifa's verdict that they flaunted the rules when signing Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana from Fosa Juniors in August 2018.

They were subsequently handed a two-window transfer ban before lodging an appeal with Cas.    

According to Safa's acting CEO and legal head Tebogo Motlanthe, Amakhosi believe the matter would have long been resolved had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic. 

It is expected that the transfer window would long be closed when Chiefs finally get to clear their name and have the ban overturned, hence the reason to want to be given permission to reinforce their squad while the management waits for their turn to prove their innocence.    

"They have written to Fifa saying that Fifa must clear [their matter]," Motlanthe told Independent Media. 

"They are blaming the delay on Covid-19 because normally Cas deals with cases expediently. They just want Fifa to give them some leeway." 

Media reports suggest Chiefs are interested in signing Sfiso Hlanti from Bidvest Wits ahead of next season, and Motlanthe says what the club can do is to strike an agreement with whoever they want to sign and only seal the deal with them after this whole matter has gone away. 

"That is unethical [signing players and not registering them], but they can just say to the player, we will engage you and we want to sign you once we are done with our Fifa matter. That can work," he revealed.

"They can’t sign someone and not register him until they are cleared to sign players."

As things stand, Chiefs are set to miss out on a massive clearance that's happening at Wits after the club sold its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) for next season. 

And with George Maluleka on his way to Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the season, chances are that Chiefs will have to find a replacement from within the current squad if they are unsuccessful in appealing the ban and the transfer window closes before their hearing.   

Yanga SC's push for a top-two Mainland Premier League (MPL) finish suffered a blow after they drew 1-1 against JKT Tanzania in Dodoma on Wednesday.

Yanga were forced to come from a goal down to force the draw in what was the only encounter in Tanzania's top-flight.

Michael Aidan scored the opener for JKT Tanzania before Patrick Sibomana equalised for the team ya Wananchi in the second half.

Yanga found themselves trailing after a long-range shot, from the right-hand side of the pitch, by Aidan found its way into the top corner. 

An outstretched Metacha Mnata could not keep the strike at bay as his defenders looked helplessly too. This is the first goal the Wananchi conceded since the restart of the league as they had won the first match against Mwadui FC with a 1-0 margin.

Yanga were unable to equalize in the first half as they headed back into the tunnel trailing even after their frontline, consisting of Deus Kaseke, Adeyun Saleh, and Ditram Nchimbi started asking some serious questions on JKT Tanzania's backline.

Coach Luc Eymael kept faith in his strikers who started against Mwadui as Gnamien Yikpe, who has had questions asked about his capability to help Yanga, and David Molinga all starting from the bench.

Yanga responded in the 76th minute when they pulled an equalizer through Sibomana as the visitors started looking the better side in Dodoma.

As the two sides fought for a winning goal, the tie turned physical and two red cards had to be flashed; one for Yanga's defender Lamine Moro and another for the hosts' Mwinyi Kazimoto.

The draw means Yanga will remain third with 55 points as they attempt to catch-up with the second-placed Azam FC.

The hard-fought draw will see JKT Tanzania enjoy 43 points, two fewer than sixth-placed Polisi Tanzania.

JKT Tanzania XI: Abdulrahim Mohammed, Michael Aidan, Frank Nchimbi, Edson Katanga, Jabir Stima, Mwinyi Kazimoto, Kelvin Nashon, Mgandila Shaban, Hassan Mwatarema, Adam Adam.

Yanga SC XI: Metacha Mnata, Juma Abdul, Lamine Moro, Said Juma, Kelvin Yondani, Feisal Salum, Haruna Niyonzima, Balama Mapinduzi, Ditram Nchimbi, Adeyun Saleh, Deus Kaseke.

Rafael Benitez says that there have been talks regarding a potential swap deal with Napoli that would see Yannick Carrasco head to Serie A with Dalian Professional receiving Hirving Lozano in exchange.

The former Liverpool and Napoli boss has been in charge of the Chinese Super League club since departing Newcastle last July.

At Dalian Professional, Benitez manages the likes of former Premier League striker Salomon Rondon and ex-Napoli star Marek Hamsik.

Carrasco is also on the books of the CSL club, although the Belgium international is currently on loan with Atletico Madrid, where he has made six appearances since making the move in January.

Lozano, meanwhile, is having a difficult first season with Napoli, with ESPN reporting that he was recently kicked out of training by manager Gennaro Gattuso due to a lack of effort.

Benitez, who managed Napoli from 2013-15, says that he has been in contact with his former club with the topic of a potential swap deal being brought up.

“We stayed in touch and when we talk to each other we feel mutual respect," Benitez told Corriere dello Sport.

"At the time, as is inevitable, there were differences, but nothing sensational or disrespectful. 

"We had the opportunity to chat in January, it seems to me, because an exchange could be made involving Lozano and Carrasco."

Lozano, who had been linked with Manchester United after breaking out at the 2018 World Cup, joined Napoli from PSV for a reported fee of €42 million (£39m/$47m) in August.

It was at PSV that Lozano emerged as one of the game's top young players, scoring 21 times in his final season with the Dutch club. 

Additionally, Lozano has become a vital piece for Mexico in recent years, with the winger scoring 10 goals while amassing 39 caps for El Tri.

However, he has been limited to just three goals across 23 appearances for Napoli since making that move, with two of those goals coming in 16 Serie A appearances.

Lozano and Napoli will have the opportunity to win a trophy on Wednesday, though, as they take on Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.

ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited, the new company of the merged entity of Kolkata clubs ATK and Mohun Bagan has been incorporated with the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Wednesday.

Five directors have also been appointed in the company. ATK co-owner Utsav Parekh, Mohun Bagan officials Srinjoy Bose and Debashis Dutta are present in the board of directors. Whereas the other two members are Gautam Ray and Sanjeev Mehra.

The two clubs had decided to enter into a merger back in January 2020 that would help Mohun Bagan enter the ISL from the 2020-21 season.

The new entity was supposed to come into existence on June 1, 2020, but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown since March 25, the deal was delayed. With the new company already being reserved, an official announcement from both parties is expected soon.

Mohun Bagan won the league title for the fifth time in their history this year and ATK won their third ISL title beating Chennaiyin FC in the final back in March.

Other than participating in the ISL, the merged entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using Mohun Bagan’s I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot.

Cristiano Ronaldo told Nani that he “will probably end up in America” at some point of his career, the Orlando City winger has claimed.

The pair have been team-mates at club and international level, having shared the flanks at Manchester United and for Portugal.

Ronaldo has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and David Villa in winding down his career in MLS and, now 35, that day may well be approaching.

"A couple of years ago, he told me that he will probably end up in America," Nani told ESPN.

"It's not 100 per cent, but probably. There is a chance."

The side most frequently linked with a move in recent months has been Inter Miami, David Beckham’s project club ready to make their debut in the new MLS season.

Nani was looking forward to his second season in the division, after completing his first year in Orlando.

With 12 goals and five assists in 30 appearances, the former Sporting C.P. man seems to be enjoying his time stateside – though his side finished second-bottom in the Eastern Conference.

"It is a great league," he added.

"Obviously there are points where we must improve as a league, even in the quality of the players.

"Here you have fantastic clubs, well organised with fantastic conditions, great coaches, great players. You see every season improving.

"I think we all have the conditions in this league. We are in a great country. Everything is around us. It is all about being better, not being afraid to improve."

Ronaldo’s current Juventus contract is believed to run until the summer of 2022, and it seems unlikely the club would be willing to contemplate losing him before then.

By the end of the 2021-22 season, though, Ronaldo will be 37 years old – and possibly considering a new challenge.

In the past, though, he has suggested he wants to finish at the top. In 2015, he said: "In my mind I want to finish in the top level, I want to finish with dignity so in a good club.

"It doesn't mean that to go USA or Qatar or Dubai is not good but I don't see myself [going there]."

Eight individuals from six Championship clubs have tested positive for the coronavirus, the EFL has confirmed, just three days before the season gets back underway.

Promotion-chasing Brentford have confirmed one of the positive tests as their own, though the identity of the individual was not disclosed.

A total of 2213 players and club staff were tested among the Championship’s 24 clubs.

The English second tier is due to restart on Saturday, June 20, with each club having nine fixtures still to play.

A statement from the EFL read: “Those players or Club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate in line with the guidelines provided by the EFL and only those who have tested negative will be permitted to enter training ground facilities.”

After the previous round of testing a week ago, six individuals from four clubs had tested positive.

It was also announced that from 254 tests carried out at four League One clubs over the last week, four individuals from two clubs have tested positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile in League Two, there were zero positive results after 174 players and club staff from four clubs were tested.

As the season resumes, the EFL will continue to provide weekly testing updates on Wednesdays.

As things stand, Leeds and West Brom are well placed to end their exile from the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are top by a single point, but there is a six-point gap between the top two and the play-off positions.

Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston currently make up the rest of the top six, but there are seven more teams within six points of the play-offs as the season nears its end.

At the other end of the table, Barnsley find themselves bottom and needing a miracle, seven points adrift of safety.

Luton and Charlton are above them in the relegation zone with Hull, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Stoke all still at risk from the drop.

The pick of the opening round of fixtures sees third-placed Fulham host play-off rivals Brentford, with the game billed for a lunchtime kick-off to get the season back up and running.

Deon Hotto's representative Machini Motloung is hoping to finalise the future of the Bidvest Wits winger in the near future. 

The Namibia international has strongly been linked with a possible move to Orlando Pirates while Mamelodi Sundowns are also reported to be interested in the player. 

As things stand, none of the Wits players who have offers in front of them has finalised anything with their potential employers.  

"Obviously, it will be better if everything is concluded quickly so that he can move on," Motloung told Daily Sun.   

"As you know, the current season was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic." 

Motloung admits the situation with Hotto and his colleagues are facing is different from what he's usually used to while hinting that the ongoing negotiations can destabilise the team. 

"Under normal circumstances, you would have been approached just after the season had ended to ensure that you don't destabilise the team," added Motloung.  

There are six to eight rounds of matches to play before the end of the season which has been suspended since mid-March but it is expected that the campaign will be extended but players couldn't wait for that to secure their futures, including Hotto himself. 

Wits still have an outside chance of winning the league as they are 10 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand. 

Hotto is one of eight players who will be leaving the Students following the management's decision to sell the club's PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila owner Masala Mulaudzi last week.

Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabang Monare, Gift Motupa, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Haashim Domingo, Sfiso Hlanti and Ricardo Goss are other players expected to leave Wits. 

This comes after TTM made it clear their high salary packages will make it impossible for the club to keep them. 

Hotto has been outstanding for the Clever Boys since his arrival from Bloemfontein Celtic two years ago. 

He has scored 14 goals and registered 21 assists in 66 appearances across all competitions since his arrival. 

This season only, the 29-year-old winger has bagged eight goals and five assists in 31 competitive matches for the Students. 

Kakamega Homeboyz have pleaded with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to forward their name to Caf as Kenya’s representatives in the Confederation Cup.

On Tuesday, Confederation of African Football (Caf) released teams that have been cleared to play in the competition, but Kenya was missing because they could not give out a name as the FKF Shield Cup, whose winner goes for the competition, is yet to be played to the end.

This is because the domestic cup was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic alongside the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), though FKF moved to declare table-toppers Gor Mahia as champions and promoted Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United.

As it stands, Gor Mahia will participate in the Caf Champions League for the fourth season in a row, leaving Kenya without a team in the Confederation Cup.

It is the reason Homeboyz have now asked FKF to forward their name to Caf because they are currently second behind Gor Mahia in the league table and have the financial muscle to afford trips into Africa.

“If you look at the position we are currently sitting in the table, we are second and now if FKF still insists they don’t have a team to send to the Confederation Cup, Homeboyz is ready to take up the slot, instead, of the country missing out,” Homeboyz CEO Benard Shitiabayi told Goal on Wednesday.

“Homeboyz is even ready, more than any other team in the league comparing our financial status and our financial muscles which we have financial support from the County government of Kakamega and we have our own business mogul Cleophas Shimanyula, definitely the only team that can well fit in the competition is Homeboyz.

“We request FKF, they still have enough time to send a team and if they can listen to me as Homeboyz CEO, they should just borrow my idea and give the chance to Homeboyz, who are more than ready, instead, of Kenya missing out completely and throwing away the opportunity.”

Bandari represented Kenya in the last competition and were eliminated in the play-off stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Guinean outfit Horoya AC.

Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack has belatedly won the February Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month award.

The award had been planned to be given out in March but the organisers delayed it citing the coronavirus restriction activated by the government.

The winner is chosen by the organisers and the Sports Journalists Association (SJAK). Polack had also won it in October and November 2019.

Gor Mahia picked up 10 points in February as they recorded three wins and a draw despite going down 3-1 to Sofapaka.

K'Ogalo defeated Nzoia Sugar 3-0 before their surprise loss to Sofapaka in Narok and failed to pick maximum points when they drew 1-1 against Western Stima in Kisumu in the subsequent match.

The last match in February was against Zoo FC when they fought back to ensure they picked up a 3-2 win at Kericho Green Stadium.

Anthony Kimani of AFC Leopards lost the award to Polack as a loss to Tusker denied him a maiden Coach of the Month award. Twahir Muhiddin, who was in charge of Bandari then, came third.

“To get an individual award makes you feel good but we know football is not an individual sport so I congratulate the players and the staff too for the hard work they put in,” Polack told reporters as he received the award.

“Without them, I would not be standing here today with the trophy.”

“The fans have also been amazing because Gor Mahia enjoy the biggest support and it is they who have been pushing the team to do well. It is not all about the money but about the hard work we have put in all along as a group.”

Polack called for a truce between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) who continue to jostle over the fate of the competition.

“Hopefully, we hope Covid-19 will go away soon so that we can get back to do what we are used to,” added the former Asante Kotoko coach.

“Let FKF and KPL sort the issue out together and if they say we have to play again then we will have to play. I have confidence in my players and my staff.

“But they have to look at the bigger picture before they make such a big decision because next season they say will start in August.”

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Geoffrey Kizito has revealed he is happy to play in the Vietnam League 1.

Playing for Than Quang Ninh currently, 'Rasta' as Kizito is known has had stints with Xuan Thanh Sai Gon and Sai Gon. The defensive midfielder further pointed out what is important to survive in the South East Asian league.

“Vietnam has been good, I can’t complain because the league is as competitive and professional, much as many think, otherwise, here performance is key,” Kizito told Football256.

Kizito was part of the Cranes' team that took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and says he achieved one of his career dreams by participating in the tournament.

“It was a good experience and a dream come true because I always wanted to play for my country at such a big stage. I played alongside experienced players and learnt a lot, I can only give thanks to God,” added the midfielder.

Kizito further answered whether he might leave during the upcoming transfer window as he also challenges upcoming players to push themselves hard and learn.

“If the opportunity comes and the deal is straight, I would certainly consider going,” he concluded.

“The young players have to work harder towards their dream every day because talent alone is not enough and opportunity meets hard work. To me, it’s about knowing your weakness, listening and being ready to learn.”

Meanwhile, Express FC defender Cyrus Kibande has said his debut season in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was fair.

“I want to be honest with you that playing in 11 league games for such a big club like Express, was a fair start to my career at the club,” Kibande told Football256.

“Not that I was happy with missing out on the other games through injury, no, but note that this was my first season in the league, at a big club like Express, therefore to me 11 games were something huge.

“I am just imagining how it would’ve been had it not been for the injuries, so I am hoping for an injury-free season.”

Kibande also spoke about his expectations of working under Wasswa Bbosa who was appointed to succeed George Ssimwogerere in May.

“I know it’s going to be a competitive season for us as players in terms of proving to the manager that you deserve to start, but I am ready for the competition," 

“I am praying that I overcome my injury problems of last season so that I can play game in game out as I try to realize my dream of playing for the national team.

“It may not be the senior Cranes team for now but as long as it’s a national team set up, I really don’t mind the level.”