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Cech set for Arsenal debut

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Goalkeeper Petr Cech is likely to make his Arsenal debut in Singapore next week after being named in Arsene Wenger's 27-player squad for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

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Goalkeeper Petr Cech is likely to make his Arsenal debut in Singapore next week after being named Thursday in Arsene Wenger's 27-player squad for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

The 33-year-old Czech international joined Arsenal last month on a “long-term contract for an undisclosed fee” from Premier League champions Chelsea after more than a decade at Stamford Bridge.

“I'm really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can't wait to join up for pre-season,” Cech said last month.

He was among those named in Wenger's squad for this year's edition of the biennial tournament to be held in Singapore.

The north Londoners face a Singapore Select XI team at the city-state's National Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, while fellow Premier League sides Stoke and Everton face off in the first match of a double-header on the same day.

The winners will face each other in the final on Saturday, July 18, with the losers contesting a third-place playoff the same day.

Arsenal left out striker Alexis Sanchez of Chile and goalkeeper David Ospina of Colombia following their recent involvement in the Copa America, while Serge Gnabry is also being rested after being involved in the European Under-21 Championship with Germany, the club said in a statement on their website.

“Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky will stay in England to recover from minor injuries but Calum Chambers will travel to Singapore, as will France Under-17 international Jeff Reine-Adelaide, who joined the club from Lens,” it added.

The event was last held in Hong Kong two years ago where Manchester City won the trophy after beating Sunderland 1-0 in the final of a tournament which also involved Tottenham Hotspur.

Cech made more than 400 appearances during his 11 years with Chelsea, winning 13 major trophies including four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League. He was voted the club's player of the year in 2011. – AFP

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Sterling may live to regret his actions

Raheem Sterling’s refusal to go on tour with Liverpool and failure to pitch for training has not gone down well in many qaurters.

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Two months ago Pierre van Hooijdonk sat in a bar in a Turin hotel and reflected on the time when he effectively withdrew his labour from Nottingham Forest in 1998.

Unhappy at the club’s transfer business and their refusal to sell him, the striker went home to Holland and stayed there.

Now, 17 years on, Van Hooijdonk maintains that he was let down by Forest following a promotion to the Premier League that had been built largely on his goals. Crucially, however, he regrets his decision to go on strike.

‘It’s one of the main things that people remember about me,’ Van Hooijdink, 45, told me.

‘I achieved some memorable things in football but in England they always talk about that and that’s a shame.

‘Sometimes things happen in your life that you look back on and realise they could have been handled differently.’

One wonders what advice Van Hooijdonk would offer Raheem Sterling today.

The young Liverpool player has not taken his dispute with his club to Van Hooijdonk’s lengths yet but the situation does appear to be heading in that direction. In suggesting he does not wish to travel on the club’s pre-season tour and calling in sick yesterday, Sterling has made his disinterest in life at Anfield very clear.

The immediate consequences for him are certainly different from those that faced Van Hooijdonk at Forest in the late 1990s. Sterling will, in all likelihood, get his desired move to Manchester City this summer. Van Hooijdonk eventually had to return to Nottingham and face his team-mates, manager and supporters.

What Van Hooijdonk spoke about, however, remains relevant. He was talking about enduring damage to his reputation in a sport he loves. An intelligent man who is still playing at amateur level in Holland, he knows his decision in the summer of 1998 has followed him through life.

It is this that Sterling may wish to chew on today, as indeed may his agent Aidy Ward.

Van Hooijdonk was well represented during his career but made his decision to walk out of the City Ground against the advice of people close to him. Sterling seems to make many of his decisions almost by committee, but it will be he who is left with questions to answer if he fails to impress at City or if he struggles for England.

Remember, he already has a record that includes feeling tired on international duty.

In football, performances on the field are ultimately what matter. If and when they start to waver, perceptions relating to personality come into play.

Van Hooijdonk knows all about that. His actions almost two decades ago did not define his career but people remember them and from now on will remember Sterling’s, too.

There are many ways of engineering a transfer. This, sadly, is not one of the best. – Daily Mail

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Casillas linked with Porto move

Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas is on the verge of joining Portuguese side Porto after 16 seasons with the La Liga club he joined as a boy.

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Madruid - Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas is on the verge of joining Portuguese side Porto after 16 seasons with the La Liga club he joined as a boy, it was widely reported in Spanish media on Wednesday.

Casillas, 34, became a hero for club and country during a glittering career, when he won titles including three Champions Leagues with Real and the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

However, he had lost some of the sheen that earned him the nickname “Saint Iker” in recent years and was regularly whistled by disgruntled Real fans at the Bernabeu stadium last term as the world's richest club ended the campaign without major silverware.

Porto, coached by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, are close to concluding talks on a two-year deal, with an option for a third season, with only the player's salary to be agreed, reports said.

Casillas has a contract with Real until the end of the 2016-17 season. – Reuters

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Arteta gets contract extension

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has signed a one-year contract extension, the Premier League club announced.

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London - Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has signed a one-year contract extension, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder joined the north London club from Everton in 2011 and has since made 136 appearances - winning the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015.

“He will stay with us for one more year because he has extended his contract,” manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website (www.arsenal.com).

“He's one of the leaders in the club because he's the captain of the team. I expect him to contribute much more than last season but he also faces a battle.

“With the number of games we have ahead, we could use his experience, his desire and his quality as it will be vital for next season.”

Arsenal will compete in the Community Shield against Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley Stadium next month. – Reuters

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Pirates out to upset Zamalek

Orlando Pirates’ quest to conquer Africa once again continues when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek.

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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates’ quest to conquer Africa once again continues when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second Group B match in the CAF Confederations Cup at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers began their group stage campaign with the best result possible two weeks ago when they beat Congolese club, AC Leopards 1-0 away from home.

The 1995 CAF Champions League winners are a proven force in the continental competitions and reached the final of the Champions League yet again in 2013. However they lost out 3-1 on aggregate to Al Ahly, after holding the Egyptians to a 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium, before losing 2-0 in Cairo.

Most of the players that were in that squad are still part of the Pirates team, and they carry an enormous amount of experience of playing in Africa, hence the team continues to get good results in the competition.

The likes of Rooi Mahamutsa, Lehlohonolo Masalesa, Sifiso Myeni, Thabo Matlaba, Siyabonga Sangweni, Happy Jele, Mpho Makola and captain Oupa Manyisa have made things a little bit easier for players who are playing in the continental competition for the first time like Thabo Rakhale.

The skilful winger has been a key part of Eric Tinkler’s team since returning to the club last year, after being loaned out to Polokwane City.

“Well, so far it has been good playing in the Confederations Cup. I mean we have been doing very well as a team and we are taking each game as it comes by giving our all which has led to the positive results,” said Rakhale.

“Like any other game, it is going to be a tough against Zamalek, but we will be up for it.

“We are playing at home and we have to use that to our advantage so that we can get the maximum points.”

Pirates have been knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League three times.

In 1996 and 1997 they were sent packing by Nigeria’s Shooting Stars. And in 2004, they lost out to Malawi’s Bakili Bullets.

Meanwhile, Zamalek will be looking to settle a score with Pirates over the weekend.

The last time the two teams met was in the Champions League, where the Buccaneers hammered the Egyptians 4-1 at home, before losing 2-1 away.

The Star

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Hummels commits to Dortmund

In-demand Germany defender Mats Hummels will stay with Borussia Dortmund for another year.

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Singapore - In-demand Germany defender Mats Hummels will stay with Borussia Dortmund for another year but offered no assurances about his long-term future.

The 26-year-old World Cup winner has been linked heavily with a move to English outfit Manchester United and admitted to being flattered by the interest.

But having seen a number of team mates, such as Mario Goetze and Robert Lewandowski, leave the club in recent seasons, Hummels was not ready to depart Dortmund yet.

“There have always been rumours about almost every one of our players, but I decided not to make the move this year,” Hummels told reporters in Singapore on Wednesday ahead of a pre-season friendly over the Malaysian border on Thursday.

“Of course when the big clubs are interested, and Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, it's an honour. But I decided I wanted to stay here.”

Hummels, who begun his career with Bayern Munich, has another two years left on his contract with Dortmund, who are now coached by Thomas Tuchel after Juergen Klopp stepped down last season. – Reuters

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Spurs confirm Alderweireld deal

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on a five-year contract, the Premier League club said.

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London - Tottenham Hotspur have signed Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on a five-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan with Southampton, making 26 Premier League appearances, and had been linked in media reports with a permanent move to St Mary's.

But the Belgium international will join countrymen Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembele and Nacer Chadli at White Hart Lane after joining Spurs for a fee reported in British media to be around 11.5 million pounds.

“I'm very proud to be a Tottenham player. I'm happy to be here and hope to have a wonderful time with this team,” the club's twitter feed quoted him as saying. – Reuters

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Barca’s Turan can only play in January

Barcelona's new midfield playmaker Arda Turan said it will be tough for him not being able to play until January due to a ban on the club on registering players.

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Barcelona - Barcelona's new midfield playmaker Arda Turan has said it will be tough for him not being able to play until January due to a ban on the club on registering players.

Barca agreed to sign the Turkey captain from Atletico Madrid on Monday and Spanish media have reported the European champions may send Arda out on loan until 2016, possibly to his former club Galatasaray.

Fifa banned Barca from two transfer windows after they were deemed to have broken rules on the signing of foreign under-18 players, although they are allowed to buy and sell and have also added versatile wide player Aleix Vidal from Sevilla.

“It's going to be hard not playing for six months but the important thing is that I will play for Barca,” Arda said in an interview with Spanish radio late on Tuesday.

“I will work until I am able to make my debut in January and I will help the team to win all the trophies,” said the 28-year-old, adding that it will be a “dream” for him to play in the same team as the likes of forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar and midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Barca, who won a treble of Champions League and Spanish league and Cup titles last season, signed Arda to give coach Luis Enrique an extra creative option in midfield but also due to the club's links with Turkey and Turkish companies.

Domestic appliance maker Beko and tyre manufacturer Lassa are two of Barca's sponsors, while the club's 2.3 million Turkish Facebook fans put the nation seventh in the ranking of followers around the world.

The deal to sign Arda was complicated by the fact that Barca are in the midst of a presidential election campaign and are being administered by a special commission, which had to approve the transfer.

The commission included an unusual clause which means whoever wins the July 18 election has the option within two days of selling Arda back to Atletico less 10 percent of the fixed fee of 34 million euros ($37.59 million). – Reuters

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Latest transfer gossip

We have a brief look at the latest football transfer gossip.

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Tottenham hope to finalise the £11.5m deal to sign Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid today. The Belgium defender, 26, had a medical yesterday and has agreed terms on a four-year deal. FULHAM have signed midfielder Jamie O’Hara, 28, on a one-year contract.

West Ham have agreed an £8m deal with Juventus for centre back Angelo Ogbonna to beat off competition from Everton. Ogbonna, 27, is due in London this week for a medical. However, West Ham fear Barcelona midfield target Alex Song’s injury may be serious.

Manchester United are closing in on a £15million deal for Torino right back Matteo Darmian.

The Italians have offers from three clubs but Torino will sell to United for an initial £12.7m plus add-ons.

Club president Urbano Cairo wants the 25-year-old Italy international’s future resolved before pre-season training begins on Sunday. Darmian can play at centre back and right back and has also filled in on the left. His versatility is an added bonus for United boss Louis van Gaal.

United are still keen on Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton and Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller, 25. The Germany international had another row with coach Pep Guardiola on Monday, but Bayern are reluctant to sell.

Southampton, who signed defender Cuco Martina from FC Twente yesterday, have enquired about Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina, 21, as a possible replacement for Schneiderlin, 25.

Sevilla have bid again for Stoke City midfielder Steven Nzonzi.

Atletico Madrid want Filipe Luis back on loan, but Chelsea would rather recoup most of the £16m paid for the Brazilian last summer. Chelsea want Abdul Baba Rahman from Augsburg but have yet to bid.

Aston Villa are stepping up their bid to sign Nice left back Jordan Amavi, 21.

Leeds are leading the chase to sign Everton’s David Henen on loan ahead of Derby, Wolves and Bolton.

Bastia are showing an interest in Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who could leave for free. – Daily Mail

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Sterling refuses to tour with Liverpool

Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he does not want to be considered for Liverpool's pre-season tour.

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Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he wishes to leave Anfield and that he does not want to be considered for Liverpool's pre-season tour of South-East Asia and Australia.

Sterling has held two meetings with Rodgers since returning to Melwood for training on Monday. It is understood that in the second he informed the manager of his intentions, although the winger has not yet lodged an official transfer request.

Manchester City have not made contact with Liverpool since their second offer two weeks ago but are aware of the development and preparing to make a third bid for Sterling in the coming days.

It remains to be seen whether Sterling will board the flight to Bangkok for the first leg of Liverpool's tour on Sunday.

Manchester United were last night seeking to end their frustrating summer search for a right-back by moving for Torino's Italy international defender Matteo Darmain for a fee of £12m.

The 25-year-old may be in Manchester as early as next week to wrap up a deal, equipping the Old Trafford club with a player who was a product of Milan's youth system and impressed for Cesare Prandelli's Italy side at last summer's World Cup.

With manager Louis van Gaal harbouring doubts about Rafael da Silva's suitability, United were thwarted in their attempts to strengthen in the position earlier this summer when Barcelona's Dani Alves decided to stay at the Nou Camp. – The Independent

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Pogba too pricey for City

Manchester City have cooled their interest in Paul Pogba in the face of astronomical demands from the player and Juventus.

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Manchester City have cooled their interest in Paul Pogba in the face of astronomical demands from the player and Juventus.

City were quoted £71million, a British transfer record, to buy Pogba, with agent Mino Raiola trying to get him a salary of £250,000 a week.

After Juventus rejected a £57m bid from Barcelona for the 22-year-old France midfielder last week, it is believed the Italian club expected City’s Arab owners to meet their demands.

But the figures are simply too much for City, despite the lifting of restrictions imposed by Uefa for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations and a promise from their chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that they are ready to compete in an ‘aggressive market’ for world-class players.

It is still possible that City could go back in for one of their top transfer targets if the price and wages come down, but they were last night understood to have taken a significant step back in negotiations.

City’s need for another central midfielder will not be so great if they succeed in signing Fabian Delph from Aston Villa for £8m.

And despite the shift in negotiations over Pogba, City won’t balk at the £50m valuations on Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Wolfsburg’s Kevin de Bruyne. – Daily Mail

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I’m not in LA for a holiday - Gerrard

New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he did not want to play out his days as a “squad” member at Liverpool.

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New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he did not want to play out his days as a “squad” member at Liverpool and had little hesitation signing for the Major League Soccer team.

Gerrard, 35, has joined the Galaxy after spending his entire professional career, 17 seasons, with Liverpool and vowed that he was in Los Angeles for the long haul.

“I had options to stay in the Premier League, options around Europe, but I didn't want to compete against Liverpool,” Gerrard told a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he was introduced to the American media.

“I love Liverpool Football Club and I always will do... but I didn't want to become a squad player or a sub at the club I love.

“If there's anyone out there that thinks I'm coming here for a holiday and a last pay cheque, they'll be proved wrong very soon.

“I'm looking forward to staying here as long as possible. I love Liverpool, the city, and I will miss it at times.

“I'm a Scouser and I'm proud to be a Scouser but I want to give my children a chance to live in a new place.”

Gerrard, who will follow in the footsteps of former England team mate David Beckham at the Galaxy, said he had been courted aggressively by Los Angeles and had sounded out Beckham before signing.

“David is a hero of mine. He's someone I've leaned on and asked for advice before I came here.”

Gerrard has also been welcomed by Galaxy captain Robbie Keane, who has been in fine form recently, scoring a hat-trick last Saturday. The defending MLS Cup champions Galaxy have also been performing strongly, with three wins in their past four matches.

Gerrard said Keane, a former Liverpool team mate, had “lent me some factor-50 (sunscreen) as well so I didn't burn on day one”.

Gerrard and wife Alex arrived in Los Angeles a week ago, while their three daughters were due to arrive later on Tuesday after staying in England to complete school exams.

“The last seven days has been a bit of a whirlwind,” he said. “I've had a bit of jet lag (and we have been) moving into a new house.”

Gerrard will make his MLS debut for the Galaxy against San Jose on July 17.

“The game can't come quick enough. We've got a fantastic team there and if I can add a bit to that I think the future can be very bright.” – Reuters

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Dempsey gives US winning start

The United States opened their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with victory over Honduras, thanks to two goals from Clint Dempsey.

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Clint Dempsey's strength in the air helped him to two goals as the reigning champions United States opened their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Honduras on Tuesday.

Two days after the women's team celebrated a third World Cup win, Dempsey scored a header in each half and the U.S. held off a late rally at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to keep the American party going.

“It wasn't our best performance but we're happy to get three points,” the 32-year-old Dempsey, who lost the captaincy to Michael Bradley last week, told reporters.

“It was tough. They came out really aggressive and caused us some problems.”

Honduras created the better chances early but it was Dempsey who stole the momentum with his goal in the 25th minute, heading home from a rebound off Donis Escober after the goalkeeper blocked a Jozy Altidore shot.

The U.S. went ahead 2-0 in the 64th minute when Michael Bradley found Dempsey in the box.

Honduras responded six minutes later through Carlos Discua, who netted his first goal for Honduras with a shot that split U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan and sliding defender Brad Evans.

A chance for an equaliser went begging in the 82nd minute, however, when Ventura Alvarado missed an open goal.

The win gives the U.S. control of Group A after Haiti and Panama tied 1-1 earlier in the day.

The Gold Cup determines the regional champions for North America, Central America and the Caribbean. – Reuters

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There’s room for improvement - Mashaba

Despite easily dispatching Mauritius, Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says there is still room for improvement.

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Johannesburg - Despite dispatching Mauritius 5-0 on aggregate over two legs in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says there is still room for improvement.

“By and large, we had a good game. Winning 2-0 away from home is a fantastic outcome but I am still not happy with our finishing,” said Mashaba.

“This is another game we could easily have massacred the opposition but had to rely on goals from the midfielder and a defender; we need to be ruthless in front of goals,” he said.

Bafana’s next assignment is against Mauritania away from home in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September before playing Angola home and away in the Chan qualifier in October.

“We are headed for some really testing times, with a congested fixture list but that will also test our mental attitude.

“What I am glad about is that we have managed to create a huge pool of players both from the domestic front and the overseas players. That gives me great comfort.”

Mashaba said he remained focussed on making Bafana one of the greatest and competitive sides not only on the continent but globally.

“There might be some dissenting voices but I am quite impressed we are very much on track to achieve something great with this crop of players. Most if not all are committed to a common cause and that gives me great satisfaction that we are on course with our mission,” he added.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune said the Bafana team is peaking at the right time following three successive victories over Angola and Mauritius home and away after beginning the Afcon qualifying campaign with an uneventful goalless draw against Gambia.

“It is a good culture to win,” said Khune.

It creates lots of confidence and some sort of camaraderie among the players and that is what you need within the squad,” said the goalkeeper who showed a glimpse of his former self during the return match.”

ANA

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Chippa sign ten players

Port Elizabeth-based Chippa United have announced 10 new player signings and David Bright as their assistant coach.

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Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth-based Chippa United have announced 10 new player signings and David Bright as their assistant coach for the new season.

“The Port Elizabeth-based outfit has secured the services of ten new players in an effort to cement its place in the Premier Soccer League,” the club said in a press release.

“Among the new signings are: Centre-back Zitha Macheke, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs; Left-winger Mark Mayambela, formerly of NFD team Royal Eagles; Midfielder Nkosinathi Mthiyane, formerly of Amazulu; Midfielder Christopher Matombo, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs Centre-forward Rhulani Manzini formerly of Platinum Stars; Right-back Diamond Thopola, formerly of Thanda Royal Zulu; Winger Philani Shange, formerly of AmaZulu; Left-back Simphiwe Ndzimbovu, formerly of Maritzburg City; Midfielder Hlabane Kutumela, formerly of NFD team Baroka; Midfielder Kuduku Maleasenya, formerly of NFD team Baroka.

“These are not the final signings for this season. Chippa plans to sign more players in the weeks to come.

“Botswana-born David Bright will assume the role of assistant coach. Bright is considered to be one of Botswana’s most successful coaches, having led the Mogoditsane Fighters to three consecutive Premier League titles from 1999 to 2001.” - ANA

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