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Gonzalo Higuain “needs pampering one day and beating against a wall the next,” according to Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri has managed the Argentina forward at three different clubs, having previously had him at both Chelsea and Napoli.

While his goalscoring numbers have dropped in recent seasons, Higuain has played some of his best football under Sarri, scoring 36 goals in 35 Serie A games in 2015-16, his final season at Napoli.

From Sarri’s description, it seems as though the pair enjoy a unique working relationship.

“I always read that I fight with everyone, when actually the only person I fight with is Higuain,” Sarri told a press conference.

“I don’t know why that is, but it’s always been the case. Maybe it’s because he needs a rather aggressive counterpoint to bring out the best in him.

“Mentally he’s fine but physically I don’t know how much he can take because he’s been on and off lately.

“He needs pampering one day and beating against a wall the next! When he’s feeling down, he needs caring for.

“When he’s on a high, he must be brought down a peg because he can get too carried away.”

Juventus are closing in on yet another Italian title, seven points clear at the top of Serie A with eight games to play.

Their next fixture sees them take on an AC Milan side on a high following their 3-0 away win against second-placed Lazio at the weekend.

“Tomorrow’s a difficult game for us,” Sarri said.

“Milan, who have already created problems for us this season, are in great physical and mental condition and are playing at high levels.

“At a time like this, the mental aspect is very delicate and mistakes are only around the corner. The lads know it’s going to be a tough month, so they can’t lose focus.

“Our lead at the top shouldn’t make us relax. We’re at a time when games are all difficult and messing one up is extremely easy.

“We’re just focusing on tomorrow’s game. We’re not even looking at who we’re facing next.

“I haven’t made any [personnel] decisions yet. We’ll see what happens, but the obvious solutions seem to be Rugani and Higuain.

“Everyone’s been talking about how big our squad is, but right now we don’t have that many options to choose from.

“Chiellini and Alex Sandro had their first proper training sessions yesterday. Higuain’s getting better. He’s training non-stop now and mentally he’s ready.”

The Premier League has confirmed there were zero positive coronavirus cases in its latest round of testing.

A total of 1,973 players and club staff were tested between June 29 and July 5, the league announced on Monday.

In the previous round of testing, there had only been one positive result.

It means there have been 19 positive results from the 16,280 tests carried out since May 17.

England's top-flight returned from a three-month suspension amid the pandemic on June 17.

The Premier League season will finish on July 26, with the FA Cup final scheduled to take place on August 1.

August will then see a revamped Champions League knockout stage, with the tournament halfway through the last 16 when the football season stopped.

The top-flight table has already seen some significant changes since the season resumed.

Liverpool have been confirmed as champions and been beaten 4-0 in the space of a week, while the fight for European places is looking tighter by the week.

Leicester have struggled for form since their return and find their previously safe-looking third-place finish increasingly in danger.

The Foxes are just a point ahead of Chelsea in fourth, with Manchester United two points further back and Wolves another three, following their lifeless defeat at home to Arsenal on Saturday.

Clubs are still waiting to find out whether fourth place or fifth will be enough for Champions League qualification, with Manchester City's appeal against their European ban from UEFA still yet to yield a result.

Things are just as tight at the bottom of the table, with at least five clubs still in serious danger of the drop.

Brighton have moved nine points clear of the bottom three but West Ham are only four points clear and Watford just one above the drop zone.

Aston Villa and Bournemouth are level on points, while Norwich look certain to go down bar an end-of-season miracle from Daniel Farke's side.

Coronavirus testing is carried out on players and club staff throughout the week, with aggregated results released each Monday.

Anybody who returns a positive test goes immediately into self-isolation.

Crested Cranes striker Juliet Nalukenge believes Uganda have what it takes to qualify for the U17 World Cup in India.

The global junior tournament has been scheduled for 17 February - 7 March 2021 and Uganda, after thrashing Ethiopia 5-1 and Tanzania 6-2, are on course fighting for a maiden appearance.

They will have to beat Cameroon's Les Lioness if they are to book a ticket.

“It would mean a lot for us if we managed to earn a qualification,” Nalukenge told 

Simba SC defender Shomari Kapombe's season is as good as over after confirmation he will be out for a month owing to an injury.

The defender was injured in the FA Cup quarter-final 2-0 win against holders Azam FC. He was stretchered off after a reckless tackle by Frank Domayo and the incident should now put him out until the 2020/21 season.

The 28-year-old injured his knee in the process and will take some time before he is involved for Wekundu wa Msimbazi.

"You all know we have Kapombe as the only injured player in the team," Simba head coach Sven Vandenbroeck said as quoted by Mwanaspoti.

"He will be out for four weeks meaning he might not have a chance to play again this season."

Kapombe's absence is an opportunity for either Erasto Nyoni or Haruna Shamte to step up and stake a claim in the team.

The 21-time champions will be playing Namungo FC on Tuesday in the Tanzania Mainland League match and camp in Mtwara in preparations for their Kariakoo Derby on Sunday against their sworn rivals Yanga SC.

The two teams will meet in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"We are preparing for two important matches and we have to be on our best shape," Vandenbroeck added.

"What we are doing now is not purely on the match [against Namungo] but preparations for Sunday's game. We will use Tuesday's game to get our tactics right for our Cup game.

"We will camp in Mtwara and continue preparing; we will leave on matchday for Lindi to play Namungo and return to continue with our preparations for the semi-final game."

Simba won the initial meeting 3-2 and the hosts will be aiming at avenging the loss.

It will be the third time the two teams are meeting in all competitions this season. The first one ended in a 2-2 draw before a Bernard Morrison strike handed the Jangwani based side a 1-0 win over the league champions.

Simba will represent the country in the Caf Champions League next season and Yanga are desperate to win the FA Cup to earn the right to play in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Enter the South African Freestyle Championship 2020 by posting your 40-60 second freestyle videos to your own Facebook or Instagram account using the hashtags:  #ZAFreestyle #hitecsa #GoalZA. 

The entry period starts on the 20th July and ends at 23:59 on 24th July 2020. 

The tournament is open to South African citizens only, irrespective of age or gender. 

Entrants will be judged on the following criteria:

Difficulty - Technical difficulty of the tricks and combinations,
All-round performance - General ability to perform all parts of sport the best way possible,
Originality - Performing with individual style, creativity and variety,
Flow - Ability to move the ball around the body without hesitation,
Style - How good looking the tricks are being performed,
Dynamics - Strength and speed of movements,
Control - The way the whole performance with the ball is controlled, and
Mistakes - Dropping the ball or creating a mistake.

Winners stand to win: 

1st place (R2 500 Hitec Voucher + R2 500 cash)
2nd place (R1 500 Hitec Voucher + R1 500 cash)
3rd Place (R1 000 Hitec Voucher + R1 000 cash)
4th Place (R1 000 Cash)

Terms and Conditions Apply. 

Asante Kotoko goalkeeper coach Sampson Appiah believes club captain Felix Annan has his job cut out in his effort to reclaim the No.1 spot.

First-choice at the start of the recently-ended season, Annan lost his starting spot for good to Ghana U23 goalkeeper Kwame Baah after taking time off to tie the knot with his girlfriend.

The situation led to speculation about bad blood between the two goalkeepers while other reports say Annan is considering a move away in his search for regular action.

"Felix used to be our first-choice goalie before his wedding ceremony but Kwame Baah grabbed the opportunity and did very well without conceding in most matches so how can you drop him?" Appiah said on Kweku Osei TV.

"The supporters would kill us if Annan underperforms if given the nod. There's no personal hatred for him but [we are just] following the rules of the game.

"Hard work will be the secret of him regaining his position devoid of any envies."

Annan’s recent peripheral role at club level has seen him lose his place in Ghana’s national team squad.

He was appointed Kotoko captain in August last year following the departure of defender Amos Frimpong.

At the time, current Ghana coach CK Akonnor was leading the Porcupine Warriors.

“All my years at Kotoko and my playing career, I have been fighting for positions,” Annan told Kotoko Express App on the situation in April.

So far as I'm in the club, I'm going to fight and give my best every minute I step onto that field.

“For me, [being out of favour] is not a problem at all.

"It's all about keeping on with my training and I will keep on fighting until I am no more in the club.”

Annan joined Kotoko from Feyenoord Academy in 2014.

"It is technical decision-taking from all the coaches in the team a night before a game,” Kotoko coach Konadu explained to Kotoko Express App.

“We gave Kwame Baah a chance after Felix Annan had excused himself for his wedding and he didn’t disgrace himself and it was okay with us.”

Following in the footsteps of the World Championships and the African Championships, the annual Championship, which kicks off on the 20th of July, will be held online to counter the impact of the Covid-19 virus. The event is hosted by the World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) who have partnered with Goal in South Africa to determine this year’s South African Freestyle Champion.

There are over R11,000 worth of prizes and vouchers from Hi-Tec to be won and, of course, the bragging rights and opportunities that come with being the South African Freestyle Champion 2020.

South African freestylers will be able to enter the competition through their own social media accounts using the hashtags #ZAFreestyle #hitecsa #GoalZA and showcase their talents and skills. The judging panel includes Asian Pacific champion Ibuki Yoshida and four-time Finnish Champion Alexander Wessberg.

Goal Africa’s Managing Editor Steve Blues said: “Freestyle football is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and a great fit with Goal. The innovation, style and creativity that defines a champion freestyler are exactly the characteristics we value here at Goal.”

“I can’t wait to see what the South African freestyle community has to offer,” he added.

The tournament is open to all ages and genders. Under-18's are required to get written consent from their parents/guardians. One can enter the championship by posting their videos which are no shorter than 40 seconds and no longer than 60 seconds on their own Facebook or Instagram account using the hashtags: #ZAFreestyle #hitecsa #GoalZA

From the top 16, videos are submitted to the WFFA on Whatsapp and winners will be announced on Goal and WFFA platforms. 

Click here for more information on how to enter and the terms and conditions. 

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Warren Lewis says he doesn’t think Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt can manage Kaizer Chiefs because he will not get the freedom to choose his players.

The retired Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu anchorman is of the view Amakhosi will need a coach that will be prepared to listen to management when it comes to signing players.

Hunt’s future remains the subject of speculation after the club was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Mdzivhandila (TTM) and the National First Division side (NFD) recently claimed they can’t afford the four-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) winner.

“Gavin [Hunt] is ready to coach a big team but the management or the owner of the club must be able to give him the freedom to sign his preferred players,” Lewis told Isolezwe.

“If Kaizer Chiefs can give him the freedom to sign the players that he wants, then we can see the results. Chiefs is a big club and we all want to see a strong Chiefs in South African football.

“If a club chooses players for him that will become a difficult situation for him. Gavin wants certain players, players that can play according to his requirements and he can get the best out of his players.

“However, there are people that will tell you how things must be done and who will be signed whilst you are a coach and that still happens in South African football.

“He has been successful at Wits and at SuperSport United because he was given the freedom to choose his players and do things according to his wish.”

Meanwhile, the Students' manager has recently confirmed he has not received offers as yet whilst explaining that he was not approached by the Thohoyandou-based club.

On the other hand, the Telkom Knockout Cup and MTN8 winner with the Clever Boys has been reportedly linked with a possible return to Matsatsantsa but the club’s CEO Stan Matthews was quick to downplay the reports.

While he said it would be the first time since 1981 where he would have to spend the pre-season at home, the manager’s name has also been linked with a move to Cape Town City.

As things stand, the Braamfontein-based outfit was scheduled to face Amakhosi when the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Wits are also set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals once the season resumes.

Lille forward Victor Osimhen is set to make a decision about a potential move to Napoli this week after meeting manager Gennaro Gattuso and club chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, his agent Osita Okolo has revealed.

The Nigeria international has been heavily linked with a transfer to the Serie A club after his outstanding debut campaign in France that earned him the award for the best African player in Ligue 1 this year .

Osimhen was in Italy last week to meet the leaders at Napoli and receive the club’s offer, however, his agent has disclosed that the final decision will be made by the player this week.

“Victor went to Naples with his representatives. We talked and exchanged views on the city: the impressions were good, to tell you the truth,” Okolo told Calcio Napoli 24 .

“Victor isn’t always shy, although he would’ve preferred to make an important decision with less media exposure.

“After meeting De Laurentiis, Giuntoli and Gattuso, he told me he needed some time to make a decision, without any pressure.

“Later this week he’ll drop his concerns and confirm his decision, whether he decides to accept Napoli’s offer or not.”

Osimhen who scored 18 goals in his first season at Lille, is believed to be concerned about racism incidents in Italy .

Okolo claimed Gattuso has assured the 21-year-old of his faith in him as he hopes to avoid a repeat of the experience he had at Wolfsburg where he played 14 Bundesliga matches, with only three starts across two seasons.

“We’re waiting. [His decision] may come not long after today. The coach made him feel wanted. He believes a lot in [Osimhen’s] ability and what he can do," he continued.

“Victor told me there was an agreement on everything but that there was still a couple more things to iron out before the final decision: the announcement should be made by tomorrow.

“I think it’s important for him to have a starting place, to grow further, even if there are no guarantees in the world of football.

“At Wolfsburg they promised him several things, then they moved the goalposts. Victor doesn’t want to get this decision wrong.

“I think Napoli would be the right place for him to grow, but he has the final say.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harvey Elliott has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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