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Pellegrini lauds Silva

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed the performance of David Silva in their 3-0 romp against West Bromwich Albion.

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed an “unbelievable” performance by David Silva in their 3-0 romp against West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League opener on Monday and said he would look to strengthen his squad further.

Spain international Silva was at his scintillating best, pulling the strings in midfield alongside a resurgent Yaya Toure as City cruised to victory.

“It is very important to start the season with a win and to win in the way we did - scoring goals and playing as a very consistent team without giving West Brom any real chances to score - is pleasing,” Pellegrini said in an interview posted on Manchester City's website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

“I enjoy seeing technical players play well. David really played well - especially in the first-half. It was an unbelievable performance. He did not make any mistakes.”

Toure, who scored twice, showed the sort of form that has helped him propel City to two league titles in the past four seasons.

The Ivorian's blend of power and pace proved the perfect complement to Silva's brand of slick passing. And with Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas stretching the play out wide, City dominated from start to finish.

Pellegrini was also satisfied with Sterling's competitive debut.

City's 49 million pound ($76 million) man provided the energy that was sometimes lacking last season and came close to marking his first league appearance with a goal.

“He had two clear chances to score but he is starting at a new club with new teammates with a different way of playing,” Pellegrini said.

“It might not be his best performance but I think he played in a good way.”

The Chilean said he was still looking to strengthen his squad.

“If we can, we must have a stronger squad because we must play four competitions,” Pellegrini was quoted as saying in British media reports.

“There are a lot of games so we can do it and if we can bring in players that will improve our squad, we will try to do it,” he added. – Reuters

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Toure propels City to victory

Yaya Toure's classy double helps Manchester City launch their Premier League campaign in style against West Bromwich Albion.

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London - Yaya Toure's first-half double provided a timely reminder of his enduring class as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a slick 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

The Ivorian, linked with a move away from the Etihad in the close season after some inconsistent displays, gave the former champions a ninth minute lead following a fortuitous double deflection and added a sublime second with a wonderful curling finish after 24 minutes.

West Brom improved significantly after the break but were powerless to prevent City extending their lead through captain Vincent Kompany's thunderous 59th-minute header.

City handed a league debut to Raheem Sterling but the England winger spurned a one-on-one chance and was generally overshadowed by his dazzling team mates Toure and David Silva before he was withdrawn in the second half.

“I think for us we have something to prove as last season was below what we are used to,” Kompany told Sky Sports. “This is a team with a lot of intent.

“For us it was a good way to start our first game. We came out here today knowing we had a point to prove. As a team we all have to improve this season.”

With title rivals Chelsea drawing and Arsenal losing at home, City had the perfect opportunity to make an early statement.

Within minutes they were into their slick passing rhythm with Silva and Toure dictating proceedings as the latter's brace secured a deserved early two-goal lead - the first after a double-deflection off Silva and Baggies defender Craig Dawson.

Wilfried Bony started up front ahead of Argentine Sergio Aguero - still building up fitness following his Copa America exploits - and the Ivorian curled a shot narrowly wide before Sterling saw his tame effort beaten away by goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Saido Berahino had an effort disallowed for offside moments before halftime and the hosts enjoyed their best period of the game immediately after the break but were unable to break down down City, who finished eight points behind champions Chelsea last season.

City weathered the storm relatively untroubled and sealed an impressive opening victory with Kompany's unstoppable header.

Aguero was introduced after 63 minutes but, other than a deflected shot, had a relatively low-key return.

City host champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom visit promoted Watford.

REUTERS

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Is it lucky No.7 for Memphis?

Manchester United’s Memphis Depay is confident he can handle the pressure of wearing the iconic number seven jersey.

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New Manchester United signing Memphis Depay is confident he can handle the pressure of wearing the iconic number seven jersey after making an impressive competitive debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The No. 7 jersey was previously worn by several United greats like George best, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham and was last worn by the British record signing Angel Di Maria, who left for Paris Saint-Germain recently.

Depay, who asked for the number, feels he is ready to take on that pressure and is convinced he will have a successful first year at the club.

“Yes, of course (I'm aware of the pressure) and the history,” the Dutch international was quoted as saying by the British media.

“I appreciate the history, but I want to be my own man. It's an honour to wear the number seven and I will wear it with pride.

“Last year I played with seven on my back (for PSV) and I scored a lot of goals so I am confident with that number.”

Depay scored 22 goals last season for PSV though he failed to find the net against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.

“I'm aware of that and I want to be as good as possible this year,” the 21-year-old said. “I want to bring creative things, goals. I have to play with discipline in midfield.

“I can't lose the ball too much, but I can make risks on the sides and when I come into the third phase, then I can make my tricks and take risks.”

Manchester United travel to Aston Villa for their next Premier League game on Friday night. – Reuters

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Mertesacker laments ‘massive loss’

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker rued his side's “massive loss” to West Ham United in their Premier League opening game.

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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker rued his side's “massive loss” to West Ham United on Sunday but was confident the Gunners will bounce back from the setback in their Premier League opener.

The Germany international bemoaned his side's lack of decisiveness in front of goal as Arsenal were well beaten by a West Ham side that defended strongly and looked to hit their London rivals on the break.

“It's a massive loss for us,” Mertesacker was quoted as saying on the club's website (www.arsenal.com).

“Overall, we weren't decisive enough, especially in the final third. It looked like the last ball was always the wrong decision.”

Arsenal failed to win four of their opening six games last season and the 30-year-old centre-back believes Arsenal could not afford another upset in their next game, when they visit Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“Sometimes it's good to come back from a massive loss. I think we are capable of coming back,” he said.

“It's very important. We want to have a better start than last season so we need to be very cautious of the situation.

“To start with a game like that is not good but to bounce back is even more important now.” – Reuters

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LVG’s United struggling to click

Manchester United lacklustre performance against Spurs was reminiscent of Louis Van Gaal’s first season in English football.

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Louis Van Gaal sang The Beatles, Mauricio Pochettino sang the blues and Manchester United fans were singing Sergio Romero’s name by the end of a curious afternoon at Old Trafford.

It was reminiscent of so many during Van Gaal’s first season in English football when United’s expensively assembled squad struggled to play the same tune. They kicked off his second campaign with a victory but it was about as unconvincing as they come.

United have not finished spending yet. Van Gaal is expected to step up his pursuit of Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, as a potential replacement for David de Gea, and Barcelona forward Pedro at a cost of around £47million.

That would take the club’s summer transfer business past the £120m mark, in addition to the £150m outlay 12 months ago. Throw in the £65m spent under David Moyes and the total investment in United’s squad since Sir Alex Ferguson vacated his position little more than two years ago would be well north of £300m.

And still they look short of the finished article. Against Tottenham, United were ponderous, a little disjointed, and lacked a cutting edge. All the things one might forgive on the opening day, except that Van Gaal’s side spent much of last season trying to discover an identity.

It is puzzling that a coach who is so single-minded and sure of his philo-sophy has yet to make a strong imprint on his team.

Van Gaal has not ruled out even more new arrivals if there are players available who are better than those he has already. Asked if the ‘minor thrombosis’ in a calf that will rule Phil Jones out for at least three weeks might necessitate signing another right-sided centre half, he replied: ‘No, we have (Paddy) McNair, Jones and (Chris) Smalling, but if he is much better than them then it is possible.’

Nothing sums up the way United have stumbled into the new season better than the bizarre goalkeeping situation. Romero was thrown in for his debut and ended the game being lauded as a hero, while De Gea sat in the stands alongside Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard waiting to see if United and Real Madrid can reach a compromise over his move to the Bernabeu.

Although Van Gaal claimed that De Gea agreed on Thursday it would be better to stay out of the firing line until his future is resolved, sources close to the goalkeeper are concerned by suggestions that he is not in the right frame of mind to play. They have made it known that he has trained ‘perfectly well’ over the last fortnight, while some of his teammates were said to be surprised by the decision to go with Romero.

Of United’s other debutants, Matteo Darmian was outstanding and Morgan Schneiderlin displayed some of the drive he will add in midfield.Memphis Depay showed glimpses of his exciting talent, while Bastian Schweinsteiger’s appearance as a substitute provided evidence to support Pep Guardiola’s claim that he was not fit for the last three years at Bayern Munich.

Still, Van Gaal was satisfied enough to disappear for his birthday celebrations with a brief rendition of The Beatles’ hit When I’m Sixty-Four.

Kyle Walker’s early own goal settled the game after he ended up nicking the ball off Wayne Rooney’s toe but sliding it into his own net.

‘With the style we play, the gaffer puts a lot of trust in us to get forward but the main thing is defending,’ said Walker. ‘I’ve done well to get back but we’ve lost because of it.’

Pochettino, meanwhile, who introduced himself to the Premier League by pressing the life out of United when Southampton lost by one goal at Old Trafford in January 2013, left feeling aggrieved that similar tactics had not produced a better result this time.

‘We deserved more than to lose 1-0,’ he said.

Tottenham will not be the last team to fancy their chances against United this season.

SUPER STAT: When Kyle Walker put through his own net, it made Premier League history with the season’s first goal being an own goal.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Romero 7.5; Darmian 8 (Valencia 81min), Smalling 7, Blind 6.5, Shaw 6; Carrick 6 (Schweinsteiger 60, 5), Schneiderlin 6.5; Mata 7, Depay 6 (Herrera 68, 6), Young 7; Rooney 5.5. Subs not used: Hernandez, McNair, Pereira, Johnstone.

Scorer: Walker 22 og.

Booked: Schweinsteiger, Mata.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Vorm 6.5; Walker 6, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 6.5, Davies 6; Dier 6.5 (Alli 77), Bentaleb 5 (Mason 53, 6.5); Dembele 6.5 (Lamela 68, 5.5), Eriksen 7, Chadli 6; Kane 7. Subs not used: Lloris, Trippier, Wimmer, Carroll.

Booked: Vertonghen, Dier, Alli.

Man of the match: Matteo Darmian.

Referee: Jonathan Moss 7. – Daily Mail

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Bucs can go top – Tinkler

Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler is confident about their chances in the Confederations Cup after they beat CS Sfaxien.

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Eric Tinkler reckons finishing top of Group B will increase Orlando Pirates chances of making it into the finals of the CAF Confederations Cup, after they beat beat CS Sfaxien 2-0 over the weekend.

Goals by Thabo Rakhale and Menzi Masuku on Saturday night proved enough for the Sea Robbers to grab the much-needed three points which keep them in the running for a top two finish with just two games remaining for them to play in the group.

Pirates are now on nine points after having played four games in Group B.

Tinkler said their win against the three-time Confederations Cup champions came at a crucial time, as it will serves as a momentum booster for them building up to the remaining group stage fixtures.

“Qualifying for the semis has been our primary objective since we started in this campaign,” Tinkler said. “However, we would also love to win the group. We’ve got two games remaining and we believe it is possible. I think it’d be much better for us to play our first game in the semis away from home, get a result there and come back and dominate them on home turf. We’ve been doing well in our away games and we want to continue with that momentum into the semis.

“We don’t want to find ourselves in the same situation as as was the case in 2013 when we drew 0-0 with Esperance in the Champions league and had to go there and fight for a good result to keep us in the running. I believe winning the group will guarantee us this crucial away fixture we need.”

Tinkler and his charges will now have to shift their focus to the domestic league as they travel to Polokwane tomorrow for their first Absa Premiership match against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The last time these two sides met it was in the second round last season with Pirates winning 4-1.

The 45-year-old coach warned that Pirates cannot afford to go into this game thinking Matsatsantsa A Petori are going to be a walk in the park.

He also said Bucs’ upcoming PSL fixtures could serve as the perfect opportunity for players who have not had game time during the CAF competition to show their worth.

“Having said that, I don’t believe in the rotation of players. If a player is doing well and isn’t showing any signs of fatigue, why deny them a chance to play?

“You see this with the big clubs playing in Europe. They always have a consistent squad playing in every competition they participate in and they do that very well without fatigue being a major concern for them. It’s a lot to do about how you manage your players and the amount of time you give them to recuperate for each and every game they play in. That’s what we’ve been doing so far.”

Meanwhile CS Sfaxien coach Paulo Duarte praised Pirates for their form in this continental cup race, saying they’ve got what it takes to make it all the way to the final. “They can be weaker in the local league or lose a game but in Africa they are something else,” Duarte said.

“We came here with few expectations of winning. We knew Pirates were going to be an even tougher side to beat at home because they showed us in Tunisia that they are a quality line-up. It’s my prediction that they will be contesting with the likes of Al Ahly or Zamalek for the title. In my opinion these three teams are the best club teams in Africa.” - The Star

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Chelsea not missing Cech - Jose

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea do not miss goalkeeper Petr Cech and is sure his side will cope well without the suspended Thibaut Courtois.

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Jose Mourinho has said Chelsea do not miss goalkeeper Petr Cech and is sure his side will cope well without the suspended Thibaut Courtois when they visit Manchester City on Sunday.

Mourinho was not keen on allowing the 33-year-old Cech to join London rivals Arsenal after 11 successful seasons with the champions, but the manager insists he is happy with the goalkeeping options at his disposal.

“We don't miss Petr,” Mourinho was quoted as saying by the British media. “We've got a good keeper, the problem with Petr is not that we miss him because we have two excellent keepers.

“The problem with Petr is that an opponent is better than before.”

Cech opted to move to Arsenal after finding himself playing second fiddle to Belgian international Courtois, who Chelsea recalled from loan at Atletico Madrid last season.

Chelsea bought Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic as a back-up to Courtois following Cech's transfer.

“Thibaut and Asmir are two fantastic keepers. My club did very well by getting a keeper on time and not on the August 31,” Mourinho added.

Courtois is banned for the match at the Etihad Stadium after he was sent off against Swansea for a foul on striker Bafetimbi Gomis, which earned their opponents a penalty and allowed them to draw the game 2-2. – Reuters

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Amakhosi frustrated by Chilli Boys

Kaiser Chiefs began the 2015/16 campaign with a share of the spoils against a 10-man Chippa United side.

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If getting to the top is hard, staying there is even harder and this much Ama-khosi will be quick to appreciate as they strive to hold on to the Absa Premiership title.

Chiefs began the 2015/16 campaign with a share of the spoils against a 10-man Chippa United side that hardly afforded the champions any respect.

And as it was, the Chilli Boys could so easily have stolen all three points were it not for the alertness and bravery of prodigal son Itumeleng Khune.

The goalkeeper denied Chippa captain James Owuosa what would probably having been the winner on 73 minutes. A beautifully floated free-kick by Eric Chipeta from the right landed flush on the Nigerian defender’s head and he redirected the ball back across goal towards the far corner but Khune stretched his foot to keep it out.

Then five minutes from time Khune showed his bravery when he dived low to block a threatening attack after Mark Mayambela had threaded through a fantastic low pass.

At the venue where they were crowned last season, Chiefs would have been the favourites of many to grab maximum points following their splendid showing midweek when they came from 2-0 down to beat Maritzburg United 5-3 in the MTN8 quarter-finals. But Chippa had other ideas and took the game to the visitors from the outset with Mayambela, Rhulani Manzini and Joseph Malongoane at the forefront of their attacks.

Yet when Malongoane got his marching orders some 10 minutes before the break, it looked like the tide would turn Chiefs’ way and they’d begin their championship defence on a winning note.

And they nearly did when Siphiwe Tshabalala delivered a fantastic shot from the edge of the box to beat Dalyan Hayes in the Chippa goal only for the ball to bounce off the crossbar.

But before that Chippa had been very impressive as they asked questions of the Chiefs defence, Mayambela wasting a free-kick and then working his way into the box but delivering a poor final cross.

Their pacy attacks and great passing allowed Roger Sikhakhane’s team to open up Amakhosi’s defence and there were moments when Siyanda Xulu and Erick Mathoho looked a bit shaky.

But once they found their footing and Malongoane was sent off, Chiefs took control of the match and found their way into the opposition’s danger area.

David Zulu had a chance to open up for Chiefs but dilly-dallied with the ball inside the box and got dispossessed following splendid combination play between Bernard Parker and Reneilwe Letsholonyane. But Chippa held firm and hardly looked like they were outnumbered as they tries to catch Chiefs on the break.

Yet even with the changes both sides made, the goals were not forthcoming and left the two sides having to be content with the single point – Chippa no doubt pleased but Chiefs aware of just how hard it will be to hold on to their title.

In the other game yesterday Rodney Ramagalela netted the winner as 10-man Golden Arrows held on for a hard-fought 1-0 win against Tuks. - The Star

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Wenger refuses to blame Cech

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to blame goalkeeper Petr Cech for their 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

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London - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to blame goalkeeper Petr Cech or any individual performances after his side sank to a disappointing 2-0 defeat by West Ham United in their opening Premier League match of the season on Sunday.

Cech's arrival after an 11-year trophy-laden spell at Chelsea was met with great optimism by supporters and hailed as the missing piece in Arsenal's quest for a first Premier League title since 2004.

But the Czech international was far from his commanding best at the Emirates, failing to deal with Dimitri Payet's free kick in the build-up to Cheikhou Kouyate's header before being beaten at his near post by Mauro Zarate's low strike.

“I haven't spoken to him (Cech) yet,” Wenger told reporters. “I can't see many individual convincing performances today so it's difficult to single someone out.

“It was a collective one. I think there are many things to say about that. I knew that if the delivery was good, we would be in trouble before the free kick was taken.

“We have enough experience at the back. If you look at our back line, I think the youngest age is 30.”

The Gunners were hoping to make a flying start and show that they are serious contenders to challenge for Chelsea crown.

Against Slaven Bilic's well-organised West Ham, however, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves and Wenger was frustrated with the way his team went about their business.

“I think our performance was not convincing,” the Frenchman said. “I felt we were a bit nervous and we rushed our game a bit.

“We didn't always respect the basics. We wanted to be too quick going forward in first half.

“I don't think we were too confident, I would rather say too nervous maybe.

“On top of that, I feel we gave two very cheap goals away and they were at the wrong moments - just before and after halftime.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb.”

Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace next Sunday before hosting Liverpool and Wenger has urged his side to bounce back quickly.

“It's difficult but it's part of our job,” he said. “A successful season is how you respond to disappointments and it's never a clear motorway.

“We have to respond quickly. We have a tricky start.” – Reuters

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Coutinho bags points for Reds

Philippe Coutinho’s exquisite late strike sealed a 1-0 Premier League win for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool at Stoke City.

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London - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was ready to substitute Philippe Coutinho just before the Brazilian's exquisite late strike sealed a 1-0 Premier League win at Stoke City on Sunday.

Coutinho, who played only one pre-season game due to his late return after featuring for Brazil at the Copa America, was set to be replaced by Danny Ings as Liverpool searched for a winner.

But with four minutes remaining, Coutinho shrugged off the challenges of two Stoke players before hammering a shot from distance past goalkeeper Jack Butland.

“I was very close to taking him off,” Rodgers told reporters.

“We were looking at making a positive change - so he was going to come off and we were going to put Danny Ings on.

“It was a great strike to win the game.

“I'm glad I kept him on.”

Liverpool finished a disappointing sixth last season and Rodgers received criticism from disgruntled supporters, but the Northern Irishman kept his job following an end-of-season review by the club's American owners.

Rodgers revamped his squad over the close season and new signings Christian Benteke, midfielder James Milner and defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez all started at the Britannia Stadium.

Liverpool face all of last season's top five away before the end of November in a tricky run of fixtures, but Rodgers praised the way his new recruits had handled an always combative Stoke.

“The players that we brought in have that character,” Rodgers said.

“Look at Benteke up front; people talk about him only being a player that can play off a long ball, but you saw his quality today - his setup of the game, his movement, his strength, his power and that ability in the air.

“Young Joe Gomez, at 18 years of age, playing against a really good player in Jonathan Walters, I thought he handled it and as the game wore on he became even stronger.

“Nathaniel Clyne has been outstanding since he came in, James Milner has that experience.”

Liverpool were humiliated 6-1 by Stoke on the final day of last season and Rodgers was delighted to be able to right a few wrongs.

“I knew it was a one-off but it still happened and you have to be better and be more resolute,” he said.

“It was a very good victory for us.” – Reuters

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W Ham bring Gunners down to earth

West Ham capitalised on two errors from Arsenal’s new goalkeeper to claim a surprise win on Sunday.

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London – West Ham United capitalised on two mistakes from Arsenal’s new goalkeeper Petr Cech to claim a surprise 2-0 victory at the Emirates and bring the Gunners’ early Premier League optimism down to earth with a bump on Sunday.

Cech, signed from Premier League champions Chelsea during the close season, came flying out to punch Dimitri Payet’s free kick just before halftime but was beaten to the ball by the head of West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate.

Mauro Zarate doubled West Ham’s advantage in the 57th minute when his low strike beat Cech at his near post as former West Ham player Slaven Bilic enjoyed victory in his first Premier League match as a manager.

Newcastle United also have a new manager in Steve McClaren and the former England coach’s first league match in charge ended in a 2-2 draw against Southampton at St James’ Park.

Later on Sunday, Liverpool have an immediate opportunity to avenge a 6-1 loss to Stoke City on the final day of last season with a return to the Britannia Stadium. – Reuters

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Cosmos, Arrows primed for PSL return

Jomo Cosmos and Golden Arrows make their eagerly-anticipated return to the PSL this weekend.

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Johannesburg – Jomo Cosmos and Golden Arrows will make their eagerly-anticipated return to the Premiership over the long weekend.

Arrows gained automatic promotion for winning the National First Division, while Cosmos came out on top in the Promotion/relegation playoffs.

Arrows begin their PSL campaign on Sunday as they host Tuks on Sunday, while Cosmos have their first encounter set for an away game against Maritzburg United on Monday.

Both teams have made more than 10 new signings.

Cosmos have signed Zimbabwean striker Charlton Mashumba, while Conrad Madolo, signed from United FC.

Arrows’ secured the services of Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela.

The club have also just announced the signing of former Wits and SuperSport United forward Ryan Chapman.

Serame Letsoaka, Golden Arrows coach said his charges would attempt to produce crowd-pleasing football.

“I think one of the reasons why I agreed to take this opportunity to come and coach Golden Arrows is because of the trademark of football they used to play before,” said Letsoaka.

“I’m a firm believer of good football. The football must be good to the eye and I believe that’s one of the big reasons I came to Golden Arrows. I believe we will display that.”

Confirmed new signings:

Arrows: Rodney Ramagalela, Ryan Chapman, Gladwin Shitolo, Edgar Manaka, Mwape Musonda, Jabulani Ncubeni, Tumelo Letuka, Philani Zikalala, Kwanele Hlongwane, Khayalethu Mjoli, Velile Zitha

Cosmos: Denver Mukamba, Michael Gumede, Micium Mhone, Muhammad Sulumba, Uhuru Seleman, Sibusiso Mdamb, Pako Mahaabo, Conrad Madolo, Mxolisi Macuphu.

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Baines injury blow for Toffees

Everton’s Leighton Baines could be sidelined for a significant period after suffering a freak training injury.

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London – Everton left-back Leighton Baines could be sidelined for a significant period after sustaining a freak training ground injury to his surgically-repaired ankle, manager Roberto Martinez has said.

The England international missed Everton’s 2-2 draw with Watford in their Premier League opener on Saturday after picking up the injury in training.

“We don’t know how long he will be out for, but it has been a real disaster,” the BBC quoted Martinez as saying.

The 30-year-old defender had surgery on the ankle in May and missed the tailend of the Premier League season as well as England’s European Championship qualifier against Slovenia.

“Everything had been perfect in Leighton’s programme and he worked extremely hard in pre-season,” Martinez told Everton’s website. “He looked refreshed, he looked strong and he look at a really, really good level.

“Then, in training, he blocks a ball and it hits him exactly in the same area where he had surgery, with the unfortunate result that he’s going to be out for a while.”

Martinez also has concerns over the fitness of Kevin Mirallas, who left the field in the 77th minute after a heavy tackle from Watford’s Valon Behrami.

“He wanted to stay on the pitch, clearly. But he had a really nasty tackle and we’re going to be assessing him in the next 48 hours,” added Martinez.

Everton got off to a slow start against promoted Watford and Martinez thought his side lacked intensity throughout the first half.

Miguel Layun gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute and Everton toiled until Martinez brought on forward Arouna Kone in the 63rd minute.

Ross Barkley scored a sensational equalizer 14 minutes from the end before Watford went 2-1 up through Odion Ighalo in the 83rd minute.

Kone drew Everton level just a minute later and Martinez said the goal could be a turning point for the forward, who has struggled to regain form after a serious knee injury in 2013.

“Arouna Kone arrived at Everton and I don’t know if a black cat crossed his path at Finch Farm (Everton’s training ground), but everything went against him,” said Martinez.

“He was never able to get the momentum or luck and nobody got to see the best of Arouna.

“When he came on the pitch, you could see he had to win the crowd over and I was delighted for him. He came up with a quality finish - that’s one of his strengths, running into the box and finding that corner.

“I feel it can be a turning point and I hope everyone at Everton can see what he can bring to the team.”

Reuters

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Bucs’ African dream on track

Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates moved one step closer to the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup with a 2-0 Group B victory over Tunisian side CS Sfaxien at Orlando Stadium, on Saturday.

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The Pirates moved a step closer to their Confed Cup dream on Saturday with a win over Sfaxien.

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Walker own goal gifts United win

The Premier League kicked off in unique fashion as an own goal by Spurs' Kyle Walker gave Manchester United a victory.

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London - The Premier League kicked off in unique fashion on Saturday as an own goal by Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory in an undistinguished season opener at Old Trafford.

Never before had English football's top flight competition begun with a player putting past his own keeper until full back Walker inadvertently prodded the ball past Michel Vorm in the 22nd minute when desperately trying to dispossess Wayne Rooney.

Tottenham had dominated until then but the goal helped United, with five expensive debutants in their ranks, relax as the Londoners' verve deserted them until a late attacking flurry was repelled by the hosts' new Argentine keeper Sergio Romero.

Even if the fare was mediocre, three points on a warm, muggy lunchtime was the ideal start for manager Louis van Gaal after a huge close season investment took United's spending to about 230 million pounds ($356.39 million) in his 12 months at the helm.

Romero made three important late saves while Italian defender Matteo Darmian, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and Dutch striker Memphis Depay also made useful first starts, with United's Germany World Cup-winner Bastian Schweinsteiger coming on for the last half-hour and getting booked.