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Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has welcomed the decision by Metropolitan Police to end their investigation into allegations of rape made against him, with the 19-year-old pleased to see his name cleared.

The England international was arrested on May 17 after facing accusations of sexual assault.

He was subsequently released from custody and bailed until mid-June.

The relevant authorities have now carried out all of their enquiries and determined that Hudson-Odoi has no case to answer.

He has welcomed that ruling and taken to social media to thank those who have offered their support during a testing time.

Hudson-Odoi has also vowed to be more aware of the responsibilities he has as a professional footballer in the public eye, with the teenager determined to become a “role model”.

A statement posted on Twitter read: “At a time when there are bigger things happening in the world right now, you may also be aware of the serious allegations that were made against me.

“I have stayed silent and assisted the police fully throughout their enquiries, as I knew the day would soon come when my name would be cleared.

“Following a full and thorough investigation, the police have now confirmed they will take no further action.

“I would like to use this platform to thank everyone who has stood by my side and supported me during this difficult period.

“I have learned that being a footballer and playing for one of the best clubs in the world comes with great responsibility, and going forward I will try and use my platform as a Chelsea player to be the best role model that I can be.”

Prior to his arrest, which came during coronavirus-enforced lockdown in Britain, Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for Covid-19.

He was among the first footballing figures to contract the virus, with competitive action eventually being placed in an indefinite state of postponement.

A green light has now been given for top-level sport to return, with the Premier League due to get underway again from June 17.

Hudson-Odoi is among those to have returned to full training, with Frank Lampard’s side set to restart their 2019-20 campaign away at Aston Villa on June 21.

Juventus are confident of renewing Paulo Dybala's contract, according to chief football officer Fabio Paratici.

Dybala is contracted to the Serie A champions until June 2022 and said in an interview with CNN this week he was waiting for the club to initiate talks .

Goal reported on Wednesday that the Argentina international is requesting a €12 million-a-year (£11m/$14m) deal  and that the Bianconeri are confident of reaching an agreement in the near future.

Dybala has struggled for form since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Juve, scoring 23 goals in all competitions since the start of 2018-19, fewer than he managed in 2017-18 alone.

Maurizio Sarri has acknowledged it is difficult for Dybala, who was linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham in the previous close season and has expressed an interest in playing for Barcelona, and Ronaldo to "coexist" in the same team.

However, Paratici has confirmed that the Turin giants remain optimistic about their chances of convincing him to extend his stay and says it is only logical he would want a substantial pay rise. 

Ahead of the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final against AC Milan on Friday, Paratici told Rai Sport : "We are not worried, as we started discussing the situation with Dybala and his entourage, so we are absolutely optimistic and confident.

"Everyone who goes to negotiate a contract wants an improvement, so that's entirely logical."

Asked about Juve's reported interest in Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo, he added: "This is not the time to talk about the transfer market, it's already been done when there was no football being played, but we want to fully enjoy this moment when Italian football returns."

Juve's clash with Milan was their first game in over three months, after football was suspended across most of the globe in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarri’s team are top of Serie A after 26 matches, sitting one point clear of nearest challengers Lazio, while Inter are a further eight points behind.

The Italian top flight returns from its three-month long suspension next week, with Juve visiting 10th-placed Bologna on June 22.

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda has revealed how he convinced striker John Makwatta to choose the club over Gor Mahia.

The striker was seemingly destined for K'Ogalo after returning from Zambia following an unsuccessful short stint with Buildcon FC. The former Ulinzi Stars player had agreed to join the 18-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions but the inevitable happened as the Ingwe administrator explains.

"Makwatta was close to joining Gor Mahia, everything had been agreed on apart from signing the contract," Shikanda told NTV.

"We were struggling financially so we could not give him a huge sign-on fee. Actually, Gor Mahia had given him KSh2 million in cash and we had just KSh600,000. So we had to find a way of getting him on board but not through money.

"I had to be honest with him; Leopards is a big brand in the country and I told him what the club can offer him in terms of value and publicity is far better than the cash he will be given. And that is how we managed to sign him, a move he has never regretted."

Makwatta left in January for Zambia giants Zesco United. In his short stint at Leopards, the Kenya international scored13 goals to keep the team on course to win their first league title in 22 years. However, Leopards will wait longer as the season came to an abrupt end owing to Covid-19.

Shikanda also explained how he plans to make fans fill the stadium.

“For the past few years, we have let down our fans and Kenyan football because we have not paraded a team that can make fans fill the stadium. 

“We are building a team that we know is a young one. We only need to see it mature by bringing in two, three or four players so that when this Mashemeji fixture comes, we will have done the necessary.

“Let me tell you, in the next Mashemeji Derby both home and away, we are going to fill Nyayo National Stadium.

“As AFC Leopards, we have to prove a point because every time we meet as officials of the club and listen to what the fans tell us we have to build a team that will make them proud.”

The former striker explained how he would want to help write the club's history during his reign.

“I want to be remembered for laying down physical infrastructure and making AFC Leopards play the kind of football that is desirable for the fans,” added the former star.

“Fans want to be entertained in a football match and when one travels from Western Kenya to Nairobi or Mombasa let him feel the value for his money.

“It is all about entertainment.”

On-loan Levantes winger Moses Simon revealed he is enjoying his football with Ligue 1 side Nantes after struggling to impress at Ciutat de Valencia.

The Nigerian international teamed up with Christian Gourcuff’s men last summer on a season-long loan from the Spanish club in an effort to play more regularly.

Before his departure from the Frogs, the forward was afforded only 19 games, having joined the side in 2018 from Belgian outfit Gent on a five-year deal.

Simon has been turning heads since his arrival in France as he scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances amid other dazzling displays in the recently ended 2019-20 season.

His blistering performances ensured he scooped the club’s Player of the Season award while his header against Nice was named the best goal.

"To be honest, I did not expect it. I just wanted to go there and do my job,” Simon told ESPN.

"I didn't even expect that goal to win it. I thought it would be the goal against PSG. But they voted that one to be the best goal. 

"I don't mind though, it is my goal so it doesn't matter. I just think the goal against PSG was better.

"At Levante, I did not play very well due to some circumstances with the coach. In Spain, the coach only spoke Spanish and I needed a translator.

"It was easier to play in France because I understand the language more and communication is very good with the coach.

"I am enjoying my football now. The most important thing is to play. Not to sit on the bench. To have the freedom to play, have the freedom to speak and to do what you know how to do best."

Nantes have the option to make the Super Eagles star’s deal permanent but the forward is uncertain of his future.

"I cannot say I don't want to go back, but it depends on the two clubs and what agreement they can come to,” he continued.

“I don't think I have anything to prove. I just went there to do my job. My teammates were very good and they helped me settle down quickly. So we will see what happens.

"But for now, next season is too early to say. With this coronavirus, we don't know what will happen. I don't know where my future will be next season so I will just continue to work hard and see what happens."

Simon, who is a key member of the Super Eagles squad, will hope to continue his eye-catching performances in the 2020-21 season.

Barcelona great Hristo Stoichkov says Lionel Messi is always unfairly blamed for Argentina's failures, and that his team-mates are guilty of "hiding" on the biggest stages.

Despite sweeping the board during a glittering career with Barca, six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has never lifted a major honour with Argentina.

There were a succession of near misses during the past decade, with Germany beating La Albiceleste after extra time in the final of the 2014 World Cup, before Chile prevailed on penalties in the 2015 Copa America and Copa America Centenario showpieces.

The 2020 Copa America was due to start on Friday but has been put back 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is likely to be Messi's final tilt at the big prize.

Speaking to Argentinian station Radio Villa Trinidad, Stoichkov said he felt the 32-year-old had shouldered an unfair share of criticism over the failures of his national team.

"To see a friend happy, like Leo, and to stop him suffering so much for not being able to win a World Cup, I would change my Golden Boot, which I got at the 1994 World Cup, to see Messi world champion," said the ex-Barca forward.

"Always when he loses, Messi has the blame and they never talk about those who are next to him and fail.

"In South Africa [at the 2010 World Cup under Diego Maradona], they had a great team and where did it end and why? No one asks it.

"Later in Brazil, Argentina reached the final and when [other players] have clear opportunities, the fault lies with Messi and Messi loses.

"In the Copa America, they have lost two finals on penalties. And again, Messi cannot win, but what do we do with the players who failed and Messi assisted them? They are hiding."

Nevertheless, Stoichkov does not think all is lost for Argentina ahead of Qatar 2022.

"Sooner or later the glory of Messi will end," he added. "Then we must value everything that was done in football.

"I believe that in 2022 in Qatar this Argentine national team will have the last great opportunity to win the World Cup in its history.

"With Lautaro Martinez, with Paulo Dybala, with the last campaigns, I imagine, by Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. There is a very competitive team."

Borussia Dortmund youth sensation Youssoufa Moukoko will be able to start training with the first team from July, according to Bild.

The 15-year-old wonderkid has been making headlines for his goal-scoring prowess in the various BVB youth teams and has scored more than 150 goals already.

Indeed in the cancelled Under-19 Bundesliga, Moukoko scored 34 goals in 20 outings with Dortmund just two points behind Cologne.

His prowess meant he would be tipped to be drafted into the first team but German football rules initially did not allow players to debut until they turned 17.

It meant Moukoko would have had to wait until November 2021 for his full debut, but after Dortmund tabled the matter before the authorities, the limit was lowered to 16, giving him the chance to play later this year.

"We are very happy. The majority of clubs now want to give exceptionally talented young players the opportunity to take a new step in their development in absolutely exceptional cases," Lars Ricken, Dortmund's youth director, said in Kicker, after the age limit was lowered.

In spite of the positive development, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc previously stated the club would not put pressure on Moukoko, nor will they raise expectations as he still has a lot to learn.

"The framework conditions for professional appearances by absolute exceptional players of this age have been created, but we are therefore not putting any pressure on him at all," Zorc told Bild am Sonntag.

"We do well not to raise expectations of Youssoufa too high."

Dortmund are currently in second place on the Bundesliga standings, and have won all their matches since the restart bar a home defeat to Bayern Munich which has put a dent on their title hopes.

Born in the Cameroon capital city of Yaounde in 2004 and in possession of a German passport, Moukoko is eligible to represent the Indomitable Lions or Die Mannschaft.

He is often compared to Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o, who scored a total of 427 goals for both club and country.

Moukoko's proficiency is also compared to Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored 98 Bundesliga goals and 141 goals in all competitions in five seasons with Dortmund, finishing as top scorer in 2017 with 31 strikes.

The agent of Bidvest Wits midfielder Deon Hotto has confirmed that the race for the player's signature is now between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Reports in recent days suggested that Sundowns were close to reaching a deal with Hotto, but Pirates have emerged as another option for the Namibia midfielder.

Hotto's agent Machini Motloung could, however, not divulge which side has the upper hand in the talks.

"He has been approached by both Pirates and Sundowns," Motloung told Sowetan Live.

"Remember he is still with Bidvest Wits and we need to respect that. The league is not done yet. I don't think it would be professional for him to choose preference when the league is still running.

"As it is now, nothing has been finalised; we are still in negotiation with both Pirates and Sundowns."

Hotto has become one of the key players at Wits, featuring in all their Premier Soccer League (PSL) games and scoring five goals while providing four assists so far this season.

He is Wits' joint top goal-scorer together with fellow midfielder Gift Motupa, who is also linked with Sundowns.

With the owner of Limpopo-based GladAfrica Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila reported to be on the verge of buying the Bidvest Wits franchise, a massive clearance sale is expected at the Braamfontein-based outfit.

Pirates and Sundowns are also reportedly in the race to sign Wits and South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo although the former is said to be the frontrunners to secure his signature.

Wits form the backbone of the Bafana Bafana defence through Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Sfiso Hlanti. Mkhwanazi and Hlanti are also said to have attracted interest elsewhere.

Other top-performers at Wits like Zimbabwean midfielder Terrence Dzvukamanja, goalkeeper Brendon Peterson and Haashim Domingo might find themselves on the move.

Their coach Gavin Hunt's name has been attached to Kaizer Chiefs although he has rubbished the rumours.

Wits are currently placed sixth on the log with a chance to end the season in the top three if it resumes.

Former Golden Arrows midfielder Thanduyise Khuboni says the sacking of Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane was a mistake by the South African Football Association (Safa).

The former Abafana Bes’thende skipper, who is now campaigning in the National First Division (NFD) with Uthongathi, was part of the 2010 Fifa World Cup squad that represented the national side on home soil and said he will never forget that experience.

Although he believes ‘Jingles’ is a good manager, the former Mpumalanga Black Aces anchorman urged the football bosses and fans to practice patience and used former Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque as an example.

“I will never forget the World Cup experience. In my township in Clermont, they thought I will be the next Siyabonga Nomvethe,” Khuboni told Isolezwe.

“I think one can’t explain the experience of playing at the World Cup and how I feel. I will always be grateful for that opportunity."

As he looked back on why the 1996 African champions have failed to reach the previous global events hosted in Brazil and in Russia in 2014 and 2018, respectively, Khuboni suggested coaching changes are the downfall.

“We need to be patient with our Bafana coaches as South Africans. We need to stop making decisions based on haste because there is no coach that will take the job and have things going his way," he added.

“The decision to fire Pitso was rushed. I am not someone that likes to talk about people’s names but I still believe Mosimane must have been given a fair chance.

“He is a top coach, he played the game and he understands the players. What he has done for Sundowns is proof that he is a good quality coach.

“Even at Sundowns, he didn’t just arrive and made things happen. There were problems but he managed to solve them. I think the same thing would have happened at Bafana.

“There’s a coach in the Spain national team and he recently retired. He arrived and took over where there were issues and challenges but he instilled his way of play and philosophy, eventually, things were smooth and they won trophies.

“That took him many years to achieve. He left after winning the World Cup and the Uefa Euro titles. All the coaches that came after him are carrying on with his philosophy, that’s what we had to do with Pitso.”

Those questioning Liverpool’s decision not to move for Timo Werner have been urged by Glen Johnson to trust Jurgen Klopp, with many having considered Mohamed Salah to be “pricey” when the Reds brought in talent that others overlooked.

The prolific Germany international striker appeared destined to end up at Anfield when transfer talk started to build around the RB Leipzig star.

Chelsea have, however, surged to the front of the queue, with Liverpool allowing their Premier League rival to trigger the release clause that will add a proven performer to their ranks.

The Reds’ decision to pass on Werner has resulted in a mixed response, but Johnson is among those who feel that the 24-year-old would be heading to Merseyside if Klopp really wanted him.

He thinks the call not to explore that option is a sign that alternative additions are being pursued, with the Premier League leaders having shown in recent windows they can find value in those they really want.

Former Reds defender Johnson told BETDAQ: "It looks as if Liverpool won't be signing Werner which is obviously disappointing for Liverpool fans, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

"They've shown in the past that when they recruit they more often than not get it right, so I think you've just got to let them find the right players.

"Everyone thought Mohamed Salah was pricey when they signed him and look how much he's worth now, so I'm sure there are players they're looking at besides Werner.

"At the end of the day, Liverpool have plenty of pulling power nowadays and if they really wanted Werner, I think they would have gone out and got him, so for whatever reason they've decided against that.

"They have been far and away the best side in the league this season and while you don't need to fix something that isn't broken, successful teams should always be looking to strengthen and rebuild again.

"It might not be the players who are going to be in the first team straight away, but you've always got to be looking ahead and the players who are brought in should be chosen with that in mind."

Johnson, who also represented Chelsea in his playing days, believes a switch to Stamford Bridge for Wener may end up being beneficial to all concerned.

"He’s got an eye for goal and is quick, both of which are attributes that are very useful in the Premier League," added the former Blues right-back.

"However, playing in England is a totally different kettle of fish to playing in Germany. Every game is tough and there aren’t any freebies which he’ll have to get used to, but he’s clearly a classy footballer and looks to have lots going for him. If he’s as good as people say he is then £50 million looks like a very good deal for Chelsea.

"From Chelsea’s point of view, it’s good they are competing with the players that the top teams want. Liverpool were obviously linked with Werner too, so it shows that Frank Lampard’s side are still able to attract the best."

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is thrilled to have Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio fully fit again following significant injury lay-offs, but he could not guarantee Luka Jovic will recover before the end of the season.

Hazard and Asensio have both had miserable seasons, with the Belgium international enduring a continued battle with fitness problems, while the Spaniard is yet to make an appearance after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season friendly.

Hazard suffered an ankle fracture in November, ruling him out for almost three months, and he then cracked his fibula shortly after returning.

Had the season not have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, the former Chelsea star – who joined Madrid in a reported €100 million (£90m/$113m) deal last year – would have been expected to be out for at least another eight weeks.

But, as Madrid prepare to return to action at home to Eibar on Sunday, Zidane confirmed both Hazard and Asensio are available once again, potentially a significant boost as Los Blancos attempt to chase down pacesetters Barcelona, who go to Real Mallorca on Saturday with a two-point lead.

"The good thing is they had the same time to prepare as the rest of the team," Zidane told a press conference.

"Asensio's injury was a bit more serious and required longer rehabilitation, but both are available, they'll be there for the team to help us and it's good news to have them back."

Zidane was again asked about Hazard's condition and the Frenchman affirmed the winger is completely recovered, though Jovic may not return anytime soon.

The Serbian forward broke his foot in May and Zidane was unable to guarantee he would be able to play again in what has been a disappointing first season at the Santiago Bernabeu for the former Eintracht Frankfurt star.

"On Hazard, I'm happy he's back and fully fit, he has re-joined the group and he can play and help us. The bad news is Jovic's injury," he said.

"He injured himself at home. It was unfortunate, obviously, because now it will keep him away from the pitch.

"We don't know for how long for, but we'll see. It's bad news of course – we hope he is back as soon as possible and before the season is over."

One of the new temporary measures brought in for the end of the season following the enforced hiatus is a substitutions increase from three to five.

Critics have suggested this will benefit the bigger clubs with deeper squads, though Zidane does not see it making a major difference to anyone.

"I don't think anyone will benefit immensely," he added. "It's a different rule, we have to adapt to it and if we have five substitutes then we'll adapt to that.

"As I say, I have 23 players available and I'll try to adapt to it. The circumstances are strange and obviously we have to take that into account, but we adapt to whatever we need to adapt to. We're ready for everything."

Mainz manager Rouven Schroder has confirmed his club are in talks with Liverpool over keeping Taiwo Awoniyi at Opel Arena.

The 22-year-old joined last summer and initially struggled for game time. However, the Nigerian has experienced something of a resurgence since the Bundesliga resumed, playing every game and scoring in the 2-2 draw at Koln, his first for the club and of the season.

He has also completed 90 minutes in Mainz's last two league outings, the most recent a shock 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.

“I am very, very positive about him,” Schroder told Bild. “Taiwo never let himself down, always had his head up and the absolute will to improve was never negative. It is a symbol of how team sport works.

"We are in an exchange with Liverpool, that is an open position. We are now waiting for the last games. Then we'll see what the next steps are."

Awoniyi's loan contract ends on June 30, with the Bundesliga wrapping up three days earlier.

He joined Liverpool in 2015 after shining for Nigeria at the 2013 Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and the 2015 African Under-20 Championship in Senegal.

His move to Anfield has been complicated by the failure to get a work permit which led him to loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron and Gent.

His two stints at Mouscron were the most successful with a combined 21 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances.

Awoniyi is pleased with his progress, which he hopes the coaching staff at Anfield are noticing.

"Coming here is just to make myself better. Even without playing for a while, coming in on Sunday just really shows I've really improved since coming to Germany. That's the goal with being on loan,” he said previously on Liverpool's official website.

"I don't think I'm the same player as I was in the last few years. I personally have seen improvement in my game and I believe most Liverpool coaches have seen that as well.

"I just have to be prepared to improve myself and work on my weak points as well. When I'm back at LFC, I hope they will see that."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has talked up the talents of Jadon Sancho, insisting " the sky's the limit" for his England team-mate.

Sancho has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League this summer, after another impressive season in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.

The 20-year-old has scored 20 goals in 40 appearances for BVB in 2019-20, while also laying on 20 assists, earning a regular spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad in the process.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window, but Dortmund have reportedly placed a £100 million ($125m) on the winger's head to ward off potential suitors.

Sancho has come on leaps and bounds since moving to Germany from Manchester City in 2017, and Henderson thinks he is destined for the very highest level if he continues on his current trajectory.

The Liverpool midfielder said of his compatriot on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel Five: "A lot of people are speaking about him. He is a top player, a special player, that in training he has got something different and he's sharp and able to get past players with ease.

"Also he's got a good head on his shoulders, he loves football, wants to improve, listen and learn so if he just continues on that path the sky's the limit for him really."

Sancho found himself in the headlines for non-football reasons last week, as he was fined for breaching coronavirus lockdown protocols to get a haircut. The talented young attacker labelled the decision an "absolute joke", leading to Emre Can publically calling for his Dortmund colleague to "grow up".

However, Henderson doesn't think Sancho needs to change anything on or off the pitch, as he added: "He just needs to keep working hard and listening to the people around him and keep doing what he's doing. He's been brilliant for Dortmund and England, so he just needs to carry on."

Henderson went on to praise England duo Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, both of whom have enjoyed strong seasons at Manchester United and Manchester City respectively.

He also lauded fellow Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold - another key member of Southgate's Three Lions set-up - insisting the full-back has the same unlimited potential as Sancho.

"There's not only him, you look at Marcus [Rashford] who's been out with injury, but such a talented player. He does stuff in training where I just think 'wow'," said Henderson.

"Look at Raheem [Sterling] now. How he's blossomed. Obviously I was playing with him at the very start, he's gone from strength to strength. He's turned into such a good player.

"You forget Trent [Alexander-Arnold]'s so young. He's achieved so much at a young age but he's mature and has got great people around him to keep his feet on the ground. Works hard, wants to improve and the sky's the limit for him as well."

With more South African legends sharing their stories as far as the 2010 Fifa World Cup is concerned, former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth says meeting former President Nelson Mandela just before the global showpiece remained his major highlight.

The retired defender also believes it would have been wonderful to see an African team reaching the semi-finals, and explained why they stood behind the Black Stars of Ghana.

Booth also believes the current coach Molefi Ntseki must be supported, adding that Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane’s appointment to succeed Carlos Alberto Parreira was badly timed by the South African Football Association (Safa).

“The highlight for me was meeting Madiba, I think the bus tour in Sandton where we had to meet thousands of people to wish us well was another one,” Booth told Goal.

“Of course Shabba’s [Sihiwe Tshabalala] opening goal is a highlight and I think those three things were my major highlights, they really stood out for me."

Booth also suggested South Africa's struggles at international tournaments relates to the continuity in the squad.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had one squad which has played over a space of eight years together and so, every time we go to a big continental tournament we seem to have a different coach or squad. I think we need to build experience from the U20, U23 level.

“And that gives the players an opportunity for them to go to the Olympics and play in the Junior World Cups. When we keep that squad and try to help them qualify for two World Cups…once you do that then you have an opportunity of progressing.”

Following their failure to progress to the next stage of the tournament, the former Ajax Cape Town defender provided his reasons on why they adopted the West Africans led by Asamoah Gyan whilst sharing his thoughts on ‘Jingles’.

“When we got knocked out, we adopted Ghana and it was a pity they couldn’t make it to the semis, it would have been fantastic for an African team to go to the semis especially during an African World Cup,” he added.

“I think we had three coaches in very quick succession, we had [Joel] Santana, Parreira and then Pitso - for Pitso it was just bad timing.

“Of course, like players you mature as you coach as well and he’s now gained a lot of confidence, success, and experience with Sundowns and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes back to the national team.

“When he took over from Parreira, I think it was not the right timing.”

On going forward heading to the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the former Bidvest Wits centre-back urged South Africans to rally behind Ntseki’s troops.

“We’ve had a good start in the World Cup qualifiers and we must show confidence and faith in him [Ntseki] and get behind him,” Booth continued.

“There’s a bit of a negative aura around our football at the moment but as fans, we have to change that and rally behind the team and the coach.”

Lionel Messi will not want to take any more breaks between now and the end of the 2019-20 campaign, but Rivaldo feels Barcelona should be offering rests to their talisman if they surge clear in the Liga title race.

Barca will be back in competitive action on Saturday when they take in a trip to Real Mallorca. It remains to be seen how prominently Messi figures in that contest, with the Argentine having nursed a knock since a return to full training in Spain.

Regardless of how much game time he sees in the opening round of games, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner can be expected to have a key role to play for Barca over the coming weeks.

They will be looking to the mercurial forward for inspiration in pursuit of another league crown, with only a two-point lead over rivals Real Madrid as things stand.

Rivaldo, though, believes that Messi’s workload needs to be carefully managed and that manager Quique Setien should take his captain out of the firing line – saving him for Champions League tests to come – if a commanding advantage can be opened up in pursuit of the domestic title.

The Barca legend told Betfair: “Lionel Messi had some physical issues last week, so there's a lot of discussion about whether he play the whole game for Barcelona in their first game back against Mallorca on Saturday.

“Barca are two points head of Real Madrid at the top of the table so the title race is tight. If Barca can pull away, they could rest Messi in a few games.

“If the battle goes to the wire then he might have fewer chances to rest - perhaps only in games which Barca manage to dominate from the first-half - but it will be important for Quique Setien to manage his squad well, as it won't just be Messi that will reach the first game still looking to be 100% fit, after all everyone has stopped and it's not easy to resume on the best form.

“As we know, Messi is always in contention for the 'Pichichi' top scorer award in La Liga and always making the difference in the team, so he wants to be on the pitch all the time and it's difficult for the manager to rotate him. He also fights for the Ballon d'Or every season and that's on his mind regularly, so you can't go to Messi and simply tell him 'take a rest'.”

Messi has added another 24 goals to his remarkable tally through 31 games this season, with an 11th La Liga title and fourth Champions League crown still very much in his sights.

Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice-president Sammy Tiyoi Shollei has declared his interest to vie for the presidency of the federation.

Shollei served under Sam Nyamweya previously and has now made his interest to face off with his former boss public.

His entry sees him join Herbert Mwachiro, Nicholas Musonye, Lordvick Aduda and Moses Akaranga as those who want to unseat the current president Nick Mwendwa.

Shollei, a former Kenya Breweries FC (now Tusker), Rivatex and Raymonds FC player, has also explained what he would want to do if elected.

“Our football has been going down and I am among people who have been complaining of the same. So, I am declaring my candidacy because I believe I am a servant of the people,” Shollei told Radio Jambo.

“I will always refer to the office as 'our office' and not 'my office' and I think there are a lot of things that need to be done together.

“Football needs a humble guy because it is a game of humble people, it needs an accessible person and a man who is ready to listen to everyone.

“It is all about what you want to do for the people.”

The retired footballer suggested the current office has done some good work but went on to highlight where they have failed.

“The current federation has blundered in a number of ways and one of them is that they have forgotten grassroots football. Football will always start from the lowest level. I want to turn it upside down,” he added.

“I would rather go and watch a football match at Kangemi or Githunguri and not at Nyayo Stadium as a president. One needs to spend time with people down there to understand what is hailing our football.

“If football at the lower level does not grow, it will definitely affect the top-tier clubs.”

Shollei, who earned his first national call-up under coach Mohammed Kheri in 1991 and went on to register 20 caps, spoke about sponsorship too.

“If we start treating the government as a number corporate entity that will be all good. We have always lived believing it is a must for them to support football but that is not the case,” explained the retired midfielder.

“If the government cannot sponsor football, they can connect clubs to other corporates. If we respect the government even corporates would want to work with us in football.”

Shollei also explained why Mwendwa might have failed to work effectively and also revealed what he will do to help retired players.

“[Nick] Mwendwa has done some good job but the people around him can be blamed for maybe not allowing him to function effectively,” he concluded.

“Primary schools can be used as youth centres for the federation and this can be done in conjunction with the Ministry of Education.

“At the same time, we will need trainers for these kids and in this respect, we will employ retired footballers. In one school, we will need more trainers thus incorporating more former players.”

It is not clear when the FKF elections will take place given the court cases around it though it is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Cristiano Ronaldo is famed for his relentless pursuit of perfection, but former Manchester United team-mate Owen Hargreaves says the Portuguese is no “egomaniac” and more of a team player than many give him credit for.

Over the course of a remarkable career, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner has faced accusations of being selfish and caring more about his own end product than that of the wider collective.

His stunning exploits have made it difficult to argue against his approach, with comparisons being made to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan when it comes to demanding nothing less than perfection.

Hargreaves, though, feels that Ronaldo can sometimes be portrayed in an unfavourable light.

For him, the 35-year-old is merely willing to be the main man if those around him have no desire to take on such a role.

He is, however, able to spot “if you’re good at something” and will happily pass on responsibility to those who prove themselves deserving of sharing what can be a heavy load.

Hargreaves, who tasted Champions League success alongside Ronaldo when United edged out Chelsea on penalties in 2008, told beIN Sports on how he was able to take on set-piece duty at times: “Ask politely, like anything. But to be fair we used to practice all the time and he knew I could take them.

“We used to practice all the time and Cristiano knew I could (score them) and I love that about him.

“I remember we played, I'd scored a couple, and we practiced before the Champions League final against Chelsea that year, he was on one side of the box and I was on the other.

“I hit nine out of ten into the top corner and Edwin van der Sar was in goal.

“And Edwin came to me and said, ‘Owen, if we get a free-kick in the Champions League final you've got to take it’.

“I said, ‘I can't take it off Cristiano, that's Cristiano Ronaldo’.

“Anyway, we get to the dressing room, we're warming up to go out on the pitch before we go out, nobody is around, Cristiano walks over and says, ‘Owen if we get a free-kick today it's yours, I saw you practising’.

“That's who he was. Everybody thinks he's like it's all about him and an egomaniac. But if you're good at something he's the first one to see that.

“And that's why I got to take a couple that year because he knew I might score. I admire that about him, I really do.”

Ronaldo found the target in a memorable European clash with Chelsea in Moscow, but would miss his penalty in the shootout and relied on others – such as Hargreaves and Van der Sar – to deliver him the first of his five Champions League crowns.

Bidvest Group CEO and Wits chairman Alan Fainman insists the club's PSL status hasn't been sold to anyone although rumours continue to gain momentum. 

Two weeks ago, reports surfaced Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) owner Masala Mulaudzi was in the process of purchasing the club and relocating them to Limpopo.

This was after Mulaudzi's confirmation that he had already sold his club, TTM to fund the project of ensuring he gets into the PSL ahead of next season. 

According to Fainman, the club will call a press conference and let the public know if they are to sell the club to new owners. 

"Nothing has changed from last week or the week before. We will let you know if there are changes. No one has bought the club. We will call a press conference if there are changes," Fainman told Isolezwe. 

"I won't always comment on this matter. We don't want to sell the club - that's what I can tell you. If there was anything we needed to tell you guys, I promise you'd have known by now," he said.   

Asked if the club has been having financial problems, Fainman said: "That's not true. It is neither here nor there.

He then promised to have more information on this much-debated topic in the next few days but continued to play his cards very close to his chest. 

"I am sorry, I am busy working and I have just arrived but you can call me after a few days," concluded Fainman. 

Several high-profile players have been linked with possible moves to Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United in the past few days. 

They include Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Haashim Domingo. 

Nonetheless, Goal understands that there are talks behind the scenes between Wits and Sundowns over the services of Gift Motupa. 

Motupa could have moved to the Brazilians in January but the proposed deal failed to materialise as Wits decided against selling one of their top strikers.   

In addition, Gavin Hunt has also been linked with Amakhosi but the 55-year-old mentor poured cold water on the speculation earlier this week. 

Tammy Abraham has revealed that Fikayo Tomori persuaded him to "stay on the pitch" in order to grab his first hat-trick for Chelsea at the start of the season.

Abraham returned to Chelsea after a successful loan spell at Aston Villa last summer and was quickly asked to step into a senior role under Frank Lampard.

The 22-year-old has had no problem transferring his prolific form in front of goal in the Championship to the Premier League, netting 13 goals in 25 outings to help the Blues rise to fourth in the table.

The England forward grabbed his first treble in Chelsea colours during a 5-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux on September 14, with fellow academy prospects Tomori and Mason Mount also getting in on the act.

Abraham has conceded that he was ready to come off after his first-half double, before Tomori convinced him to stick to his task upfront and increase his overall tally for the season.

The Blues forward told the club's official website: "It was one of those feelings where you score in two consecutive games so you’re not under pressure to score.

"In my head, I felt there was no pressure. Fikayo had already scored a banger, then my first chance came and I took it. Then there was another one and I scored again, so we were in a great position at half-time.

"I said to Fikayo, 'I’m tired, man, I might just tell the manager to replace me'. Fik was like: 'Stay on the pitch, try and get your hat-trick' because it was the second game in a row I’d scored two goals.

"I came out for the second half and then I just remember I was one-on-one with Conor Coady and the confidence that I had inside me took the tiredness away, I did that skill to get away from him and scored.

"After the game me, Mason and Fikayo were all talking and realising that we’d all just scored for Chelsea in the Premier League, so it was crazy and amazing feelings that day."

Abraham was six goals behind Leicester's Jamie Vardy in the race for the Golden Boot when the season was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in March.

He will have the chance to close that gap when Chelsea return to the pitch on June 21, with a trip to Birmingham to face Aston Villa on the cards.