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Former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has castigated the stance by the Ivory Coast Footballers Association (AFI) not to support former national team captain Didier Drogba in his bid to become president of the West African nation’s football federation.

Despite the snub, Drogba managed to file his candidacy and will stand against Koffi Kouakou Paul, Sory Diabate and Idriss Diallo for the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) presidency elections set for September 5.

The Elephants’ Africa Cup of Nations-winning captain Toure is unhappy with the decision by AFI, led by former AC Milan and Monaco defender Cyrille Domoraud, to support Diallo.

“That our players' association has chosen to support another candidate constitutes a major fault, a serious breach of its obligations and its mission,” Toure was quoted as having told Abidjan Sports as per Afrik Foot. “No matter how hard I tried to understand, I tried to listen to Cyrille Domoraud's arguments, I still don't understand, but the damage is done.”

AFI argues that Drogba did not deserve their support as he has not been actively involved with the players’ representative body, a claim Toure dismisses.

“If Didier was so useless, how is it possible that Cyrille Domoraud did not realise it until after eleven years and at the very moment when Didier presents his candidacy for the presidency of the FIF and that AFI seeks, by all means, to justify its support for another candidate?,” said Toure.

"If he had been aware of it for several years, why did he not raise the issue with Didier or raise the problem during the AFI General Assemblies? [Domoraud] uses AFI for personal purposes and serves Ivorian footballers. It’s grotesque and shameful.”

Drogba has however earned the support of footballers plying their trade in the Ivorian domestic league.

Besides Toure, other high profile former footballers like Marco Zoro and Blaise Kouassi have thrown their weight behind Drogba’s candidature.

“What do we do with the petition signed by more than 350 players from the elite Ivory Coast championships, who overwhelmingly asked AFI to support Didier Drogba?,” Toure asked. “What about the appeal of most of the players in the national team and its captains, which points in the same direction?

"This masquerade is not what you expect from an association like AFI," Toure concluded. "Obviously, and many of us think so, that must change.”

The next FIF president will replace outgoing Sidy Diallo who has been at the helm since 2011.

Former Orlando Pirates forward Jerry Sikhosana has told Frank Mhango to 'just relax' and not put himself under pressure as he looks to end his barren spell.

Mhango last scored on February 1 when he struck a brace away at Chippa United, but has since then gone for six matches without finding the back of the net.

With 14 goals from 24 league matches, he however still leads the Premier Soccer League top scorers chart.

However, the Malawi international risks being beaten to the Golden Boot award by Kaizer Chiefs’ Samir Nurkovic, SuperSport United forward Bradley Grobler and Highlands Park’s Peter Shalulile who have each scored 13 league goals so far.

“I think he must just relax and just let the game take its toll. If you always think you want to score goals and you try hard, that's where you don’t get it right,” Sikhosana told Sowetan Live. “If he can start concentrating on playing first, everything will follow.

"He is a striker; he knows how to score goals. There is no doubt about it, but he must not put himself under pressure, trying hard to score goals because it will only get difficult.

“What I have seen is that Pirates have not scored a goal in the last five games except the last one when they drew with Baroka [1-1 on Tuesday] where [Tshegofatso] Mabaso scored. I think chances are there, sometimes when you want to do something you get anxious and tend to lose that touch."

Mhango’s dip in form appears to have affected Pirates who heavily relied on him for goals as the Buccaneers have managed just a goal in their last five league games.

This has seen Pirates dropping to fifth position on the standings and their bid for a top three finish is now seriously under threat from SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits.

Sikhosana is familiar with the situation Mhango finds himself in as the Pirates great says he once endured a similar dry patch during his playing days.

“It happened to me. I want to be honest with you,” said Sikhosana. “There was a time when I could not score even at training.

"You will come early and do a lot of shooting because you are no longer thinking about the game, but about scoring goals.

“You end up losing focus; just relax and play the game, goals will come," the legendary forward concluded. "He is a top striker. I believe in him.”

Mhango would be bidding to break his goal drought in Pirates’ next league match against Cape Town City on Sunday.

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has hailed the club's decision to sign Larry Bwalya on a two-year deal.

The midfielder was officially unveiled by the  Wekundu wa Msimbazi  on Tuesday, to end his love affair with Power Dynamos of Zambia, a club he had served for five seasons and managed to win one honour – the Charity Cup in 2016 - while also finishing second in the league in 2015.

His arrival at Simba has left Chama, who was voted the best player and midfielder for the last Mainland Premier League campaign, excited and looking forward to working with his countrymen.

“Bwalya will help the team a great deal, not only in Tanzania but also when we start our journey in the Caf Champions League,” Chama is quoted saying by Sokaletu . “He is a big plus to the team, he has the experience to play at both stages, the league and Caf competitions, and I am happy we managed to secure his services.

"He will help the team, I am very sure about that," Chama added, as per the Lusaka Times. “I know [Bwalya] very well, I have followed him for a long time, and he can do as wonders.

"It was my long time wish to play alongside a fellow Zambian player at Simba and I am glad my desire has been fulfilled.”

Upon leaving Dynamos, the 25-year-old paid tribute to the club by stating: “First and foremost I would like to thank my teammates, managers for all the support rendered to me throughout all the years we have worked together, and I would like to thank all my fans for the love and support!

"Wouldn’t have succeeded without you all.”

Simba, who are yet to lose a player this transfer window, have already signed Chama alongside Chris Mugalu, Joash Onyango, Ibrahim Ame, Charles Ilanfya, David Kameta ‘Duchu’ and Bernard Morrison.

They will start their title defence with a tie against newly-promoted Ihefu FC while rivals Yanga will open against Tanzania Prisons at the newly-named Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

However, before their league opener, Simba will start the season with a Community Shield clash against Namungo FC at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on August 30.

Arjen Robben made his first appearance since coming out of retirement to rejoin Groningen and wants to feature in all 34 of their Eredivisie games, though he acknowledges it is unlikely.

Former Netherlands international Robben hung up his boots following the 2018-19 season but signed for his boyhood club in June to help them out amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After making himself unavailable for selection for a friendly against PEC Zwolle last week, the 36-year-old returned to the pitch for the first time in 15 months in a 1-1 draw with Almere City on Saturday.

The former Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea winger Robben partnered Mohamed El Hankouri up front in a 3-5-2 formation but regularly floated wide to the right.

He displayed some neat touches before being replaced by Ramon Pascal Lundqvist just after the half-hour mark, as had been agreed pre-match.

"It was nice to play a match again. That's what you do it for," Robben told FOX Sports.

"I want to help Groningen, but not only with the sale of season tickets or shirts, also on the pitch.

"I have come a long way and I am far from there yet. But I am making good steps and this half hour was nice.

"It was quite special, but I just wanted to concentrate on doing my thing. The most important thing is to keep fit. We'll see. It is also the combination of not playing football for a year and age. I have to catch up now.

"I would prefer to play all 34 league matches, but no doubt that will not happen. I will not be there a few times."

In his 19 previous seasons in professional football, Robben did not once feature in every game of a league campaign. His best was 33 Eredivisie appearances with PSV in 2002-03.

Groningen are scheduled to start their 2020-21 league campaign on September 13 against PSV.

Danny Buijs' side were ninth in the table when the 2019-20 season was cancelled because of the Covid-19 outbreak in April.

Kylian Mbappe sits alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the global game, claims former Paris Saint-Germain forward Pauleta, with the French forward boasting the ability to leave audiences “starstruck”.

At just 21 years of age, an exciting talent already has four Ligue 1 titles and a World Cup triumph to his name.

Mbappe is now out to add a Champions League crown to his collection, with PSG set to face German giants Bayern Munich in a European showpiece on Sunday.

Pauleta is looking forward to seeing a modern day superstar in action, with there the potential for plenty of fireworks to be delivered on the field in Lisbon.

Mbappe will be hoping to make a telling contribution on the grandest of stages, with another opportunity presented to the youngster in his ongoing efforts to prove that he deserves a standing at the very top of the world game.

Pauleta already has the France international sat among the elite, saying of Mbappe: “[He] is hugely skilled technically, he’s incredibly fast, physically he’s amazing.

“He’s a player that everybody admires, like [Zinedine] Zidane, we all loved him, like Messi, like Cristiano. He’s among these kind of players.

“You watch his games on TV to see what he’s going to do. You know that he’s going to do something that will leave you starstruck.

“I admire him a lot, he’s a humble person but I think he will have a tremendous career.”

Mbappe has hit 90 goals for PSG through his 123 appearances to date.

Pauleta recorded 109 across his five years in the French capital and is delighted to see a club that holds a special place in his heart competing for the most sought-after of prizes.

He is also proud to see his native Portugal playing host to the latter stages of a prestigious event, with Lisbon having been the home of continental competition since the quarter-final stage.

“It is very important for us in Portugal to have such an important competition like the Champions League,” said Pauleta.

“Especially during such tough times for everybody in the world because of the coronavirus.

“We’re a small country but because of the work of the football federation and its president we can have such an important tournament in Portugal and have the final on Sunday.

“It’s a tournament that’s completely different to usual, with eight big clubs playing for two weeks in Portugal in the Lisbon area, and it’s very important for the country and the Portuguese people.

“On top of that, having the final for me is very important, having the club that’s in my heart play, PSG, and I hope everything will end well for the Champions League and for PSG.”

Former Kenya international Innocent Mutiso has defended Kenya Footballers Welfare Association's (Kefwa) decision to endorse Nick Mwendwa in 2016.

The body’s move to support Mwendwa generated criticism, as some players claim the umbrella body made the decision without their consent.

“The current FKF president [Mwendwa] was ready to come and meet our Kefwa board and he did convince them he was the right man for the job because of his manifesto,” Kefwa president Mutiso told Radio Jambo.

“Out of the 14 board members, 13 of them came I can remember well. That is how we made the decision because there were representatives of teams.

“We also had club captains from KPL, the National Super League, and the Women's Premier League as well as some teams from Division One and Two.

“That is when Mwendwa came, sold his agenda and everyone was impressed," he added. "That was not my sole decision but it was a unanimous one.

“We had 109 captains and through a press conference stated what we discussed and the decision reached. People have just been creating issues to suit their agenda.”

Mutiso, who is Boniface Osano’s running mate for the upcoming FKF elections, also talked about what they would implement should they clinch the seat.

“We are going to prioritise youth and women football as these are the areas the federation has somewhat neglected. They have treated them as a second thought,” added the former Mathare United and Gor Mahia star.

“Yes, FKF has put in place some measures to improve them but it seems they have run out of ideas to develop them further.

“The women league has no sponsor now and those are the things the incumbent promised he was going to deal with. That is why we voted for him then.

“He promised that under his watch, women would start playing football as a career and not as an afterthought. When Vihiga Queens won the league title, I expected FKF vice-president [Doris Petra] to come and present the trophy but she was nowhere to be seen.

“That is why I am insisting that the league has been treated as a second thought.

“The youth competition must be conducted as a league and not like a tournament. Let us learn from the established leagues where the junior league is run parallel to the main league.

“If it is run like a tournament, then teams will be formed and disbanded right after the tournament," he concluded. "That is why we have not had proper consistency in our football.”

Osano and Mutiso are the latest candidates to have declared interest in unseating Mwendwa.

David de Gea remains a “class act” in the eyes of Rio Ferdinand, but the Manchester United goalkeeper has been warned that he needs to prove his worth again on the back of a few uncharacteristic errors.

Mistakes have crept into the game of a keeper who endured a difficult start to his time in England on the back of a high-profile move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

De Gea came through that to become a four-time Player of the Year at Old Trafford, with the Spaniard proving to be a model of consistency in what was a testing time for everyone in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

A standing among the finest keepers on the planet was secured, but standards have dipped slightly of late and questions are now being asked of whether change is required between the sticks.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept faith with De Gea for now, but Dean Henderson is returning to his ranks from another productive loan spell at Sheffield United.

Ferdinand does not expect the gloves to change hands in Manchester any time soon, with added competition for places set to benefit all concerned, but he is looking for a proven performer to end any debate regarding his position.

The legendary former United defender told TEAMtalk: “De Gea has the ability to get back to where he was.

“He’s shown over the years that he is a class act. He can now have a break for a few weeks and come back with his focus renewed.

“He has the mentality to come back and reach his levels again. We’ve seen time and again how good he can be. I think he can still be a big player for United, but he has a point to prove again now. He has had tough times before and has come back.

“He’s a great goalkeeper and over the years he has been fantastic for United. He was player of the year four out of six years or whatever it was, but if you are not producing the goods over an extended period of time you have to be told and there has to be someone waiting in the wings to come in.”

While De Gea has work to do as the last line of defence, United have others nailing down their respective spots.

January signing Bruno Fernandes falls into that category, with the Portuguese playmaker having been a talismanic presence for the Red Devils as ambitious plans for the future start to be drawn up at Old Trafford once more.

Ferdinand added: “Fernandes has been a breath of fresh air for the team. Where he has been great is unlocking the imagination of the team.

“You see Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood, and the minute Fernandes get the ball, they are off, they know their chance is coming. He doesn’t need a second invitation to deliver that pass.

“That’s what top players do. They change a team and a club with their presence, and we have seen that with Fernandes at United.”

Simba SC started their preparations for the 2020/21 season with a convincing 6-0 win against Burundian outfit Vital'O FC on Saturday.

Tanzania Mainland League champions gave a debut to their new signings Joash Onyango, Bernard Morrison, Said Ndemla, and Larry Bwalya for the fans to have a taste of what to expect from them in the new campaign.

However, it was not going to be an easy task breaking down the visitors, who were also ready to give a good account of themselves. 

After a cautious start from both sides, Wekundu wa Msimbazi eventually settled and took control of the game amid cheers from thousands of fans who had flocked Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

It looked like the first half could end without a goal, but in the 45th minute, Ghanaian Morrison put smiles in the faces of Simba fans when he managed to get the ball into the back of the net. It was a goal that reduced the pressure on the home team after they'd initially struggled to break down the Burundians.

In the second minute of the added time, captain John Raphael Bocco, who has been instrumental for the 21-time champions since the league resumed on June 13, was at it again to ensure his team went to the break with a healthy 2-0 lead.

2019/21 Most Valuable Player and best midfielder Clatous Chama put more light on the two teams with a third goal in the second half.

The fans had to wait until the 76th minute before celebrating another, this time from Ibrahim Ajibu, who was at the end of a well-executed move by his teammates.

Two minutes later, it was 5-0 courtesy of new signing Chris Mugalu before Charles Ilanfya completed the route with the sixth in the added minutes.

It was a match that coach Sven Vandenbroeck used to gauge his players and new arrivals in preparations for the busy new campaign. 

Last season, the Msimbazi-based side won a treble: they opened the season with a Community Shield win before securing the league title with six matches to go.

The third honour came when they defeated Namungo FC 2-1 in the FA Cup final. Simba will represent Tanzania in the Caf Champions League.

Jadon Sancho claims to be ignoring the transfer “noise” that he is generating, amid ongoing links to Manchester United, with the Borussia Dortmund winger focused on his own game and chasing down Ballon d’Or glory.

Speculation continues to suggest that the England international could soon be returned to his homeland in a big-money deal.

United have been frustrated in their efforts to get an agreement in place, but the summer window remains open and a club-record package could be pieced together at some stage by those at Old Trafford.

Sancho is prepared to let that saga play out without him getting involved, with the 20-year-old turning a deaf ear to the rumours which are raging around him.

Asked for his take on the “noise” by SoccerBible, Sancho said: “I try not to look at the media because I think once you start looking at all that it would be easy to get carried away with it. It can affect players.

“For me it’s about not looking at those things and just focusing on trying to do the best I can on the pitch. Especially in training.

“For me it’s about improving every single day. It’s important for me to keep a smile on my face and keep happy. I don’t really look at all the noise and all that stuff. I’d rather keep my head down, keep focus and improve every day.”

Sancho’s efforts on the field for Dortmund have made him one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

He is determined to maintain those standards, while raising his game to even greater heights, with there a desire on his part to be recognised as the best player on the planet.

“Obviously every young kid growing up, that’s something they’re looking at,” Sancho added.

“For me though, if I win a couple [of Ballons d’Or], then I’ll feel like I’ve achieved what I wanted to do in this life. Obviously there’s other great goals I want to accomplish like winning the World Cup, the Champions League and all these other great things but yeah, Ballon d’Or is just like… there’s so many players in the world and to win that you would have been selected to be the best of the best.

“That feeling… Obviously I haven’t been in that situation so I don’t know what it’s like but looking at other people's reactions when they’ve won it - it’s an emotional moment. I just have to keep on working on myself to get there.”

Robert Lewandowski is the only possible option to be named the world's best player this year after his "sensational" performances for Bayern Munich, says former midfielder Friedhelm Funkel.

The 32-year-old has scored 55 times in 46 appearances this season to help fire the Bavarian outfit to the Champions League final as well as Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal success.

This year's Ballon d'Or award has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, while FIFA's The Best awards ceremony, originally scheduled for September, was postponed in May. 

Regardless, ex-Eintracht Frankfurt and Hertha Berlin manager Funkel is convinced that Lewandowski has been by far the best player on the planet this season, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in his dust. 

"Yes, there are no two ways about it. Lewandowski's performance in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League this season has been sensational," he told Sky Sport. 

"There is no one this year who has even come close to achieving what Lewandowski has shown. He scored many, many goals, but also assisted a lot of goals. He has also become an absolute team player, but that hasn't stopped him from scoring goals. Lewandowski is predestined to become the world player of the year.

"Ronaldo was eliminated early [from the Champions League], Messi was eliminated early, Messi also did not become a champion in Spain. There was no European Championship or World Cup, so the Champions League has to come into focus and Lewandowski is an outstanding player, the outstanding player."

Lewandowski will come up against Brazil star Neymar when Bayern face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Sunday.

But even the PSG attacker cannot come close to Lewandowski's quality at the moment, says Funkel.

"Neymar is also a world-class player. But this consistency, which Lewandowski has shown over a whole year, cannot be seen in Neymar. He's also an extraordinary - I would almost say - artist," he added.

"What bothers me about Neymar, however, are his dramatics. As soon as he is touched, he goes down, makes drama on the pitch to impress the referee, to shout for fouls. That's not the fine English way, no other player does it like him.

"Lewandowski is completely different, who isn't easily knocked over or let himself be kicked over or dives to provoke something. None of that is worthy of a world football star. That's why there is really only Lewandowski for me this year and, for the reasons described, not Neymar."

Uganda Premier League (UPL) outfit Express FC have announced yet another new signing during the August transfer window.

Mustapha Kiragga is the player who joins Wasswa Bbosa’s side ahead of the new season, set to start on October 17. He is the fifth new player to join the Red Eagles.

“Express FC are delighted to announce the capture of forward Mustapha Kiragga,” the club announced.

The 19-year old has been signed from South Africa’s Alexandria FC and has agreed a two-year deal with the UPL side.

“I am happy to be a Red Eagle. As a striker my target is to score as many goals and also help the team perform well,” the forward said as he was unveiled on Saturday.

Bbosa has been keen to strengthen the striking area that yielded 30 goals in the cancelled season. Frank Kalanda, with 11 goals to his name, was Express’ top scorer and Kiragga’s arrival is expected to offer more options to the technical bench.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has already declared October 17 as the date when the new season will begin but the same is dependent on the government’s next announcement concerning the ban on sports and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, Wakiso Giants are unaware of Richard Wasswa’s departure to Vipers SC.

Reports in the country had it that Wasswa had left since he is set to be appointed as a youth team coach for Vipers and St Mary’s Secondary School.

“We are unaware of that development, he has not written to us. He is still contracted with this club,” a Wakiso Giants official is quoted as saying by Sports Nation.

When Douglas Bamweyana was appointed as Wakiso Giants head coach in July, he chose to stick with Wasswa as his assistant but the recent reports may indicate the two will not be partners at the club.

Bamweyana had praised Wasswa when he was confirmed as a head coach saying they had common values, beliefs and philosophy as tacticians.

According to the Waksio Giants official, Wasswa will owe the club money equal to three months of his salary if he discontinues his contract.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes his team is struggling to cope with Themba Zwane's loss of form since the return of football. 

The Tshwane giants are winless in their last four league games - three draws and a defeat - and according to Mosimane, this is because Zwane hasn't been as influential as he has been in the last eight years for his club. 

The Tembisa-born attacker was left on the bench in the 2-2 draw against Maritzburg United with Promise Mkhuma taking his place in the starting XI, and Mosimane explained he had to make the necessary changes.    

"If you're honest Themba Zwane is our most important player. Since we came back he hasn’t had much influence on the game as much as he has for the last eight years. We have to be honest with it and make some necessary changes. We had Promise [Mkhuma] in his place. Promise played well," Mosimane told the media.

Mosimane said Zwane has also been honest enough to himself to admit that he hasn't been at his best. 

And the 56-year-old said while this is the reality he's currently facing, he offered Zwane the support he feels the midfielder needed because he still an important member of his Sundowns squad alongside the likes of Gaston Sirino and Sibusiso Vilakazi.  

"He understands also. We had our talk and he accepts. He said, 'coach I am not at my best. I don’t know what is happening’.

"I said, 'look it’s the way it is so we move on. You have done so well for us for all these years that tonight we can feel different about you'.

"We need him. He is an important player. Same as Vilakazi, we need him. He is an important player. Sirino, we need him. He is an important player. They are not at their best at this point in time. They are key players," added Mosimane. 

Sundowns are five points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and their inability to win matches has given Ernst Middendorp the advantage in the title race.  

They could find themselves eight points behind Middendorp's charges on Sunday afternoon provided Chiefs beat Stellenbosch FC. 

Simba SC chairman Mohammed Dewji has revealed his ambitions with the club ahead of the new campaign.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi sealed a treble last season – Community Shield Cup, Mainland Premier League title, and the FA Cup – and will thus be the country’s flag bearers in the Caf Champions League for the third season in a row.

Dewji has now openly stated they are tired of winning trophies in Tanzania and their main target this season is to make sure they reach the group stage of the Champions League and if possible win the trophy.

“I am not pleased with winning the domestic titles,” Dewji is quoted as saying by Daily News. “My goal is the Caf Champions League.

“Our goal is to keep on the pace to compete and win the Mainland Premier League, but also to reach the Champions League’s group stage and if we can win it.”

Dewji further revealed he was happy the club had made a decision to keep the players in one camp, saying it will help him to easily monitor their physic, health, and mental strength.

“We have currently set GPS to our players that monitor the players’ performance by measuring heartbeats per second, resting heart rate and average heart rate to get each player statistics,” Dewji continued.

In a separate interview on Friday, Dewji revealed plans to launch a Simba Academy.

“We are going to start a football academy and soon we will have people going around the country to scout talent for the institution,” Dewji told reporters.

“Those who are going to be selected will be brought to Dar es Salaam and Simba will take care of all the costs. We are going to nurture their talent and pay for their school fees as well.

“Our policy of restructuring is not yet complete. I already have TSh20 billion and in every year, I channel TSh30 billion as sponsorship money for the club. I believe a high percentage of Simba fans and members understand what I do.

“Soon we are going to declare vacant positions at the club and one of them is the office of the Chief Executive Officer.”

Simba are without a CEO after Senzo Mazingiza quit the club to join rivals Yanga.

Robert Lewandowski is “the best player in the world right now” and the perfect role model for Paris Saint-Germain forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe when it comes to “longevity”, claims former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The prolific Polish frontman was considered to be a leading contender for the 2020 Ballon d’Or before France Football took the decision to cancel the handing out of a prestigious Golden Ball in a coronavirus-impacted calendar year.

While disappointed to have been ruled out of the running for that prize, Lewandowski has already helped Bayern to the Bundesliga title this season and could finish the campaign with a Champions League crown to his name.

At 32 years of age, one of the most consistent performers of the modern era has taken his game to never before seen heights, with a personal-best return of 55 goals plundered in 2019-20.

Hargreaves considers Lewandowski to set the standard for all other frontmen, including those he is about to line up against in a European showpiece in Lisbon on Sunday.

The ex-Bayern star told talkSPORT: “He’s ageing like a fine wine. He’s been around forever and it's his best season ever, which seems ridiculous really. Everybody talks about goalscorers and he’s got heaps in his own rights but even in those games against Chelsea, he scored or set up every goal.

“I think his overall game hasn’t got enough credit. As much as Mbappe and Neymar on the pitch on Sunday are the two most talented players in the world, the best player in the world right now is Lewandowski.

“You couldn’t think of a better role model for those guys to model themselves on to say ‘yeah I’m a good player and I’ve got talent but the way to get longevity is to work’.

“The work to his craft to improve his training and his diet and all aspects of his game has created a season where if we had a Ballon d’Or it would be his.”

Hargreaves believes Lewandowski will inspire Bayern to a first Champions League triumph in seven years when they take on PSG, with Hansi Flick’s side having already disposed of Chelsea and Lyon in the knockout stages while also humbling Barcelona 8-2 in the last eight.

“I think it’s impossible to get a 0-0. I heard Thiago Silva say that they want to keep a clean sheet,” Hargraves, who savoured continental glory with Bayern in 2001, added.

“Bayern, even before they went to Lisbon, is the most complete team in the competition in terms of the goalkeeper, defence, and everything.

“They have a blend when you think about the experience in [Manuel] Neuer, [Jerome] Boateng, [David] Alaba, [Thomas] Muller and Lewandowski but then you have these young guys who play like you’ve taken their dinner away, in [Alphonso] Davies, [Joshua] Kimmich and [Serge] Gnabry. The blend is perfect.

“The biggest difference with Bayern is the intensity of their press. They suffocated that Barcelona team. They just looked like they didn’t know what they saw. They couldn’t get out. They physically overran them. You look at Barca and think ‘they’ve got no power in their team’.

“They played a high line, no disrespect to Suarez and Messi, but they couldn’t get beyond them.

“I think it’s going to be a hell of a game. I think if those chances come PSG’s way and they take them they will win but I think Bayern will tip it.”

Pistone Mutamba has revealed he has already moved on after being fired by Wazito FC at the end of the last campaign.

The former Sofapaka and Harambee Stars striker was among the eleven players released by Wazito after they failed to challenge for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title.

Others axed alongside Mutamba were the foreign quartet of Augustine Otu, Piscas Kirenge, Issifou Bourahana, and Paul Acquah, former Tusker winger Victor Ndinya, Harambee Stars trialist Teddy Osok, former Sony Sugar striker Derrick Otanga, goalkeepers Kevin Omondi, and Steven Njung’e.

Mutamba has now said he did not have any bad feelings towards the club for the decision they took to fire him and says he is now working hard to get a team and kick-start his career.

“I believe whenever one door closes, another one opens elsewhere. I have received some offers from top clubs in the country but it’s still early to make a decision,” Mutamba is quoted by The Star.

“When I joined Wazito, it wasn't easy for me to break into the first eleven. I remained patient learning and working hard until I cemented my position in the team. I received full support during my time with Wazito and I want to wish them well in their new endeavours.”

Mutamba, who managed to score eight goals for the promoted side last season, has also revealed several clubs from Kenya and the East African region have shown keen interest in his services and he will make up a decision soon.

“It’s true I have received several offers within Kenya and outside the country from several clubs which I can’t mention now because I’m yet to settle on the suitable offer,” Mutamba continued.

“It’s not all about money but I want a club where I can develop and realise my potential as a player.”

Wazito have so far unveiled seven new signings in a bid to have a good campaign once the new season starts.

After promotion in 2019, the Nairobi-based club made big-name signings in the last two transfer windows but they failed to make much of an impact in the top league.

Jackson ‘Pogba’ Juma, a defensive midfielder and who is an alumnus of Kisumu Day High School and a former AFC Leopards star, is the latest player the former National Super League (NSL) champions announced on Friday.

Former AFC Leopards’ Vincent Oburu, Mark Otieno from Leads United, Kevin Kimani from Mathare United, former Gor Mahia winger Boniface Omondi, ex-Western Stima’s Edwin Omondi, and Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu from Nairobi City Stars are the players Wazito have signed.

Manchester United “can’t rely on Anthony Martial” and need to be looking at bringing in another proven frontman, says Paul Parker.

The Red Devils handed the French forward their No.9 shirt on the back of Romelu Lukaku’s departure in the summer of 2019.

Martial was awarded the central striking role he craved and justified that show of faith with a personal-best return of 23 goals across a productive campaign.

Questions have, however, continued to be asked of whether the 24-year-old can be considered a long-term option to lead the line for United.

Parker is not convinced that Martial fits that bill, as he could easily be moved back into a wide attacking post, and feels Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be targeting more firepower and another centre-half in the current transfer window.

The former Red Devils defender told Eurosport: “Jadon Sancho would represent a decent signing, but it will be expensive and United need at least one good centre-half and probably a striker too because you can’t rely on Anthony Martial.

“When things are going well with Martial it’s fine, but when things aren’t you worry about whether he’s going to put himself or the team first.

“Solskjaer has done better than other managers have with him, but I still see Martial as the type of player who wants to operate out wide and come into the middle.

“However, their most pressing priority is a centre-half. Manchester City seemingly pipped United to sign Nathan Ake for £40 million and that is good business, particularly in comparison to what was paid for Harry Maguire.”

While United are yet to show their hand in the latest recruitment market, Parker is encouraged by the progress that has been made under Solskjaer and is hoping to see the 13-time Premier League champions kick on from this point.

He added: “The manager has come in and lifted the club, now the next bit is to sustain the level he has them playing at and then improve on it.

“He needs to kick on and make sure United are competing in that top four to then build towards competing for the league too. There’s no dropping out of the top four now.

“A lot of the players have been the same players that were there under the previous two managers, yet Solskjaer has consistently got performances out of them.

“For example, he’s got the best out of Nemanja Matic - he’s now one of the key players in that midfield. The midfield three are very important to United at this moment in time.

“However, Bruno Fernandes’ impact is immeasurable. United have been a completely different team with him; even when he has had fatigue - which you’d expect - he’s enhanced and improved other players’ performances just by being on the pitch.”

Barcelona have shown an interest in Manchester City full-back Angelino, who is available for around €30m (£25m/$33m).

The Spanish full-back spent the second half of last season on loan at RB Leipzig and helped the German club to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Barcelona are looking to rebuild after sacking coach Quique Setien following their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Ronald Koeman has been appointed as the new coach at Camp Nou and needs to strengthen after Barca also lost out on the Spanish title to Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants have already made young City centre-back Eric Garcia their top target, with the 19-year-old in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

And according to sources, the Spanish giants are now keen on his team-mate as Koeman looks to address the problems in their defence.

Leipzig had an option to buy Angelino and Goal reported that they were keen to strike a permanent deal if they could renegotiate the asking price.

Julian Nagelsmann confirmed this week that the Bundesliga club would like to complete a deal for the 23-year-old after both clubs were knocked out of Europe.

"I'm very confident that we can reach an agreement with Manchester City, now that both clubs are out of the Champions League and the focus is no longer on the tournament," Nagelsmann told German newspaper Bild.

"Angel is a very interesting player for us and he wants to stay with us.”

City re-signed Angelino from PSV for €6m in the summer when they triggered a buy-back clause after an impressive season that saw him contribute 10 assists for the Dutch club.

The left-back position has been a problem area for Pep Guardiola, with Benjamin Mendy fighting his way back to his best form after a serious knee injury and Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo deputising in the role.

Angelino first signed for City in 2012 but spent much of his time away from the club with loan spells at New York City, Girona, Real Mallorca and NAC Breda before his 12-month switch to PSV.

He had a poor pre-season with City and didn’t make his first Premier League start until November, and was a surprise starter in the defeats to Liverpool and at home to Manchester United.

Barca are facing a summer of upheaval with there doubts over the futures of many of their first-team players including Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique.

Lionel Messi would have already left Barcelona had his contract expired this summer, claims Camp Nou presidential candidate Agusti Benedito, with Josep Maria Bartomeu’s regime slammed for edging the captain towards the exits.

As things stand, a six-time Ballon d’Or winner remains tied to the Blaugrana.

Contract extension talks have been shelved, though, and serious questions are being asked of Messi’s ongoing presence in Catalunya as he enters the final 12 months of his current terms.

A fresh start elsewhere is being mooted for the mercurial Argentine, with the likes of Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City said to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

Benedito fears Messi may have grown disillusioned with life in a testing era for Barca, with the club’s current board having failed to address the issues which resulted in a humbling finish to the 2019-20 campaign.

“Unfortunately, I think Bartomeu will finally achieve Messi's departure from Barcelona,” Benedito, who finished second in Barca’s 2015 presidential vote, told Sport.

“It would be the latest error on a long list and the most tragic of the Bartomeu-Rosell era, which has been a nightmare for the history of our club.

“If Messi was out of contract this summer, I am sure he would leave. Since Neymar left, Messi's not been as happy.”

Barca will be holding another round of elections in March 2021, while they are currently looking into fixing faults on the field which delivered no major silverware in 2020.

Ronald Koeman has been returned to familiar surroundings as part of that process, with the Dutchman signing a two-year deal as the club’s new head coach, but the expectation is that another former favourite in the form of Xavi will be handed the reins at some stage in the near future.

Benedito believes that will be the case, saying: “Look, I think he's been the most important player in Barca's history after Messi. I admire him a lot.

“He's spent five years in Qatar now and I honestly think before he takes charge he should do what other legends did: Luis Enrique and [Pep] Guardiola. That's to say coach the B team or join Koeman's staff.”

Benedito added on Koeman: “If I won the elections in 2015, he would have been our manager. I went to see him in London when he was at Southampton and signed a pre-agreement.

“If I win this time, Koeman will still be the Barcelona coach.

“He's a club legend and an experienced coach with great character. He has the advantage of being a disciple of Cruyff and could open a glorious era at Barca, as Johan did in the 90s.”

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller claims there is “nothing new” to report on Kai Havertz, amid ongoing talk of interest from Chelsea, with all suitors of the talented 21-year-old warned that no “corona discount” will be handed out this summer.

A highly-rated Germany international playmaker has emerged as a top target for leading sides across Europe.

Leverkusen are aware that they have a much sought-after asset on their hands and have made it clear that they will not be parting with Havertz without a fight.

If their demands are met then a sale could be sanctioned, but a hot prospect will only be allowed to move on if the price is right.

No side has tabled a suitable offer as yet, with Chelsea still some way short in their efforts to get a deal over the line, and that means that Havertz is staying put.

Voller told Sport Buzzer when asked for an update on a long-running transfer saga: “There is nothing new in this regard, and we are still very relaxed about it,.

“Of course, we would be very happy if he stayed for another year. It is clear that the departure of such a player, despite the high transfer fee, always means a loss - see Leipzig and [Timo] Werner.”

Leverkusen are aware that their resolve is likely to be tested on a regular basis before the next deadline passes.

They will, however, not be relaxing their stance for anyone.

Financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic are forcing many clubs to tighten their belts, and asking prices to drop, but Voller says Havertz will only leave his current surroundings for full market value.

He added: “In times of corona, it may actually be that the transfer fees have decreased for many players.

“But corona or no corona, this is not the case with exceptional players like Havertz or Jadon Sancho. There is no corona discount for them.

“What makes Kai Havertz so interesting is the fact that he embodies world-class in four or five positions.”

Chelsea have already wrapped up deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, while Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell is closing on a switch to Stamford Bridge, and the Premier League heavyweights are expected to retain their interest in Havertz as Frank Lampard seeks to land another exciting performer.