NFD season opens with goal flurry

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

It has been goals galore in the opening round of the NFD season, with at least 18 scored on Saturday.

|||

Johannesburg – It was goals galore in the opening round of the National First Division, with at least 18 scored on Saturday.

AmaZulu won 1-0 at home to Witbank Spurs and Moroka Swallows went down 2-0 at Cape Town All Stars.

Black Leopards who made it to the promotion play-offs at the end of last season, completed a 2-0 win over Milano United.

In a five-goal affair, African Warriors edged FC Cape Town 3-2. That would not be the highest scoring match of the opening round, however, as Mbombela United and Thanda Royal Zulu played out to a scintillating 3-3 draw.

In the final match of the day, Highlands Park drew 1-1 with Royal Eagles.

– African News Agency (ANA)



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1JHxLjd
Read More

Bucs book Confed semi spot

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

The Pirates booked their place in the Caf Confed Cup semis to make history on Saturday.

|||

Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates booked their place in the semi-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history after beating Congo’s AC Leopards here on Saturday night.

Goals from Mpho Makola in the first half, and Oupa Manyisa late in the match saw the Sea Robbers progress in this continental cup competition, though a draw would have been enough for them to reach the semis.

AC Leopards looked threatening in the first 25 minutes. The Congolese outfit came highly motivated and played some attacking football.

And rightly so, they had beaten Zamalek 1-0 on home turf a fortnight ago, ending their three-game unbeaten run in Group B building up to this clash.

Pirates’ first chance at goal came in the fifth minute when Kermit Erasmus played a brilliant cross into the box to find Thamsanqa Gabuza. The striker, however, failed to give Pirates an early lead.

Three minutes later, Leopards responded with an attacking move of their own. However, Cesair Gandze’s shot did not trouble Pirates goalkeeper Filipe Ovono as it went way over the crossbar.

Erasmus then produced another sublime pass 18 minutes into the game to find midfielder Sifiso Myeni who was unmarked outside the box. Myeni’s shot, however, was deflected for a corner.

Pirates kept on asking questions with some dazzling attacking moves but it was their finishing that let them down.

The Buccaneers scored their opener when Mpho Makola coolly converted after a cross from Erasmus in the 33rd minute.

Pirates should have gone 2-0 up at the stroke of half-time when Manyisa’s pass for Makola was intercepted by Erasmus who was in an offside position.

The Sea Robbers continued the momentum they had built in the first half. Gabuza missed three scoring chances in quick succession. The first came just five minutes after the break.

The striker’s diving header went wide after Myeni spotted him inside the danger zone.

Gabuza then went on a blistering run in the 72nd minute beating two opponents but his shot was blocked by Leopards goalkeeper Lawrence Ngoe.

Seven minutes later, there was more frustration for Gabuza as Ngoe pulled off yet another sterling save.

Skipper Manyisa made it 2-0 three minutes before full-time following a teasing cross from Lehlohonolo Majoro who came on in the 74th minute for Erasmus.

Pirates have been on a high after their first Group B defeat at the hands of Zamalek 2-1 at Mbombela Stadium.

For Pirates, though, that defeat came with many lessons which helped improve their game. They have since worked on keeping their shape at the back as they move forward.

They have also been technically and tactically disciplined.

Their latter performances in the group stage, both against CS Sfaxien, showed they had mastered the art of winning games.

And yesterday Pirates were brilliant, putting together a string of passes.

Bucs brought on playmaker Thabo “Jomo” Rakhale for Myeni and midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo replaced Gabuza late in the second half.

Pirates meet Zamalek in a fortnight’s time in Egypt in the final group match.

Orlando Stadium

Orlando Pirates (1) 2

Makola 33, Manyisa 87

AC Leopards 0

– The Sunday Independent



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1JdwrRP
Read More

Amakhosi shoot down the Stars

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

The Chiefs, helped by two own goals, powered their way to an emphatic win against the Stars.

|||

Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs, helped by two own goals, powered their way to an emphatic 4-0 victory against Free State Stars at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

It was a dominant performance and three points for Chiefs who drew their first PSL game and would have pleased coach Steve Komphela, who was up against his former team.

Chiefs dominated the early stages of the game when Bernard Parker came close to scoring but was shut out by a defence which seemed to be struggling.

It was only in the 17th minute when Stars broke the shackles after some slack defending, but Danny Venter’s shot was blocked.

A few minutes later Stars broke again and Itumeleng Khune was forced to make a good save with an outflung leg when Sthembiso Ngcobo got hold of a pass and fired on target. This seemed to wake up Chiefs who continued to plug away, forcing a few corners.

Stars though were looking more comfortable midway through the first half, pushing the ball around in midfield but they were stunned in the 34th minute.

Siboniso Gaxa galloped down the right flank, crossed to a crowded penalty area only to see his shot deflected into the net off the legs off Robert Sankara for an unfortunate own goal.

But there was nothing wrong about the second goal in the 42nd minute. Siphiwe Tshabalala weaved his way through some defenders on the right, slid a perfect slide rule pass across goal for George Lebese to tuck it past goalkeeper Johnny Mathole and into the net off the left upright.

If that was not bad enough, Stars imploded again just on the first half whistle when Liberty Chakoroma had a moment of madness when, trying to defend ball from Parker, he powered a shot into his own net much to the shock of his goalkeeper – and no doubt his fellow players.

With the game more or less over as a contest, the second half was played without much purpose with the Amakhosi seemingly content to play it safe and knock it around the park.

But Chiefs were soon making Stars suffer again when Tshabalala got hold of a ball just outside the penalty area and sent a looping volley into the top corner of the net for the fourth goal. He could have had another a minute later but was thwarted by an outstretched Mathole.

– African News Agency (ANA)



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1PIVdvA
Read More

United held to draw by Newcastle

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Manchester United's 100% start to the season ended after they were held to a goalless draw against Newcastle United.

|||

London - Manchester United's 100 percent start to the Premier League season ended when they were held to a goalless draw against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney had an early goal ruled out for offside as United, 1-0 winners in their opening two league games, dominated but it was Newcastle who went closest to scoring in the first half when Aleksandar Mitrovic hit the crossbar.

Substitutes Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia then had opportunities to snatch a late goal for the home team who are top of the table with seven points.

"It was a very important result for us," said defender Fabricio Coloccini as Newcastle ended a run of seven successive away league defeats. "We worked really hard.

"It's very hard to play at Old Trafford because they have a lot of possession," he told BT Sport. "We were told to defend as well as possible and we did really well."

United captain Rooney has made a mediocre start to the season but began brightly against Newcastle, having a sixth-minute goal chalked off.

Juan Mata was twice denied by goalkeeper Tim Krul and Memphis Depay was a constant threat but United nearly conceded against the run of play when Newcastle's close-season signing Mitrovic rattled the bar with a thunderous header.

After their high-octane start, United finished the half on the back foot as Newcastle's Ayoze Perez saw his shot squirm narrowly past the post.

United manager Louis van Gaal cut a frustrated figure at the break and his side did little to alleviate his discontent in the second.

The hosts handed a first league start to World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger and the German was solid yet unspectacular before being substituted in the 59th minute.

The game burst into life with a frantic final 10 minutes as Hernandez was denied by a fine Krul save before man-of-the-match Coloccini produced a superb block to thwart Valencia.

Chris Smalling headed against the post for United while Papiss Cisse was just wide after a counter-attack by Newcastle who have two points from three matches.

Later on Saturday, Leicester City take their 100 percent record into a home game with Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City visit Norwich City and Crystal Palace entertain Aston Villa.

Sunderland and promoted Bournemouth, occupying the bottom two places in the table, search for their first points against Swansea City and West Ham United respectively.

Reuters



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1h3p4CL
Read More

United can still attract anybody - LVG

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United’s pulling power remains as strong as ever.

|||

London - Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United’s pulling power remains as strong as ever and has indicated that it was their decision to walk away from a £21million deal for Pedro.

Chelsea jumped in to buy the Barcelona star earlier this week while Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, another player strongly linked with United this summer, joined Manchester City for £28.5m.

It has led to criticism of Old Trafford chief Ed Woodward, who is understood to have flown to Barcelona on Monday in an attempt to sign Pedro, with the player’s agent Antonio Sanz yesterday claiming that United ‘fell asleep’ over the deal.

However, Van Gaal defended Woodward and gave a clear indication that United could have signed Pedro and Otamendi had they wished.

He said: ‘I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward and me. Never. Every day I am updated by him and I trust him. I don’t think that people have to doubt him because he has proven for many years that he is the right person in the right spot.

‘When we wanted Pedro it was not any problem. There was a clause in his contract so it was the most easy transfer. What we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions.

‘I have never spoken about any defender and you are asking me about Otamendi. Also that Manchester City was quicker than Manchester United.

‘I think when Manchester United want a player he shall come, except when the club are not selling. It is the same with us when we are not selling (David) de Gea.’

Despite United’s hardline stance over De Gea in the face of persistent interest from Real Madrid, the goalkeeper’s future remains in the balance with 10 days of the transfer window remaining.

Van Gaal, who would not be drawn on his interest in Southampton’s Sadio Mane, reiterated that the decision to keep De Gea out of action would not be assessed until the window closes on the first day of September.

Mane has told Saints boss Ronald Koeman he wants to stay at St Mary’s despite interest from United. Asked whether Mane (left) had told him he wants to remain at Southampton, Koeman said: ‘Yes. He wants to stay. He knows that there’s no bid for the player. His agent knows. I know. Everybody knows.’

Meanwhile, Van Gaal praised Wayne Rooney for admitting that he has endured a poor start to the season after being restored to centre forward, but expressed surprise that his captain has been so candid.

‘It starts with the player himself as he has to admit that he is bad and then he can improve,’ said Van Gaal.

‘When you are saying so publicly that you are bad, then you know that you are very bad at that time. I think it’s fantastic that a player will admit that.

‘It’s also for me unbelievable because he is one of the few players who is saying those things because there can be a threat of pressure from the media after a few weeks. He takes a risk, I think.’

Rooney also received support from Steve McClaren, the Newcastle manager who hopes to end United’s 100 per cent start to the season at Old Trafford this lunchtime.

McClaren said: ‘Unfortunately, he is one of those types - whatever he does, he will be criticised. But believe me, he won’t give a damn about that.’

Daily Mail



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1E9sGh9
Read More

Business as usual, says Shabba

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

It’s been eight years since Siphiwe Tshabalala left Free State Stars, and the Amakhosi skipper still has a soft spot for the team.

|||

Johannesburg - It’s been eight years since Siphiwe Tshabalala left Free State Stars, and the Amakhosi skipper still has a soft spot for the team that put him in the limelight.

After all, it was at Stars where he made his mark, getting his first national call up while the club were still playing in the National First Division (NFD).

“Free State Stars gave me an opportunity to shine and show what I can do. It is the team where I established myself. I am truly thankful and I will be forever grateful to them. But now I am at Kaizer Chiefs. This is my home; I have been here for eight years. So for me it is business as usual, but I will always have respect for Free State Stars,” Tshabalala said.

Shabba and Chiefs host Stars at the FNB Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 8.15pm).

Unlike in their league opener when they played to a goalless draw with Chippa United, a side easily dismantled 4-1 by their nemesis Orlando Pirates, who had a sloppy start to the season with a 1-0 loss to Supersport United, Chiefs want their strikers to be lethal.

With Chiefs yet to register maximum points in this campaign, Tshabalala believes teams want a win over Chiefs, and the league has toughened up with all the clubs having something to play for this campaign.

“They want to stop the train.

“They know what the team is capable of and they also want to win the league. It is going to be a battle, and some want to be in the top three, while others will want to avoid relegation. So I am anticipating a tough season.

“Challenges are good for everyone. It helps us grow.

“I think teams have beefed up their personnel.

“Pirates have a strong team, Sundowns have a strong team. SuperSport and Wits have a spring in their step.

“So it is not only three teams that one needs to look at. It shows the standard of our league and strength of the PSL has grown,” Tshabalala said.

Tshabalala will not be the only one at Chiefs looking forward to a “reunion” with the Free State outfit.

His coach, Steve Komphela, will also be facing a team he had two spells with between 2008 and 2013.

“It will also be good for the coach to help the team beat his former club.

“It will be his first home game against Stars. We will work hard and do well, hopefully to win it for him.”

Fixtures

Saturday: University of Pretoria v Polokwane City (Tuks Stadium, 3pm); Mamelodi Sundowns v Bidvest Wits (Lucas Moripe Stadium, 3pm); Mpumalanga Black Aces v SuperSport United (Mbombela Stadium, 6pm); Kaizer Chiefs v Free State Stars (FNB Stadium, 8.15pm); Ajax Cape Town v Maritzburg United (Cape Town Stadium, 8:15pm)

Sunday: Jomo Cosmos v Golden Arrows (Olen Park, 3pm); Bloemfontein Celtic v Platinum Stars (Goble Park, 3pm)

Saturday Star



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1TZn28I
Read More

No Surprise, Downs’ veteran Moriri upbeat

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

He may have lost some pace, but Surprise Moriri says retirement is not even on his mind.

|||

Johannesburg - Living legend Surprise Moriri is the envy of many a footballer.

Moriri, one of the most decorated players in the PSL, boasts a glittering resumé riddled with prestigious accolades. The Mamelodi Sundowns poster boy’s living room glitters with three PSL championship medals, one SAA Supa Eight medal and two Nedbank Cup medals.

Throughout his career, spanning over a decade, Moriri has amassed massive personal accolades as well.

In 2006 he walked away with the PSL Player of the Season and PSL Players’ Player of the Season awards. Moriri also donned the Bafana Bafana jersey 34 times. He was a member of the Bafana squad at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

With such honours and at the age of 35, the usual retirement age, the questions is: what’s still left for Moriri to achieve?

“Obviously I want more trophies and to win the CAF Champions League. We are going back to the Champions League and we want to do well,” said Moriri.

He may have lost a yard of pace, but Moriri says retirement is not even on his mind since his legs can still carry him.

The rigorous demands of football means Moriri’s recovery after intense matches and training sessions is not as quick as it used to be. The midfield genius says he has adapted to taking things easy.

“Fortunately the supporting staff have been helping me. They have been managing me very well in terms of reco-vering and other things. I make sure I rest a lot and that after a hard session I go through a recovery process,” said the man from Matibidi in Mpumala-nga.

Moriri is the most experienced player in Pitso Mosimane’s team having played at the club since 2004. The Downs fan favourite, who has fans singing songs about him during matches, knows it won’t be easy to feature prominently in a team that has many midfielders. Among his responsibilities is to mentor youngsters in Mosimane’s team, though.

“My role is to help youngsters understand what the team is all about and the pressure that comes with playing for Sundowns. Make sure you calm them down so they focus on the game. They must know we are on the field to win,” said Moriri.

“What motivates me is that there are a lot of youngsters looking up to me so there’s no reason to drop the standard and give up. If they see me giving up, it means I am letting them down. I must always give my best.”

This afternoon Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits in what is expected to be a tough league encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

Moriri may not be an outright starter but he will be a part of the proceedings as Downs will throw all they have in order to see off the challenge.

Moriri believes victory over Wits will come in handy as they psyche themselves up for what is going to be a torrid season.

“It’s always a tough game against Wits, one of the teams that will be competing for the league. We need to go out there and give our best. We must focus for the 90 minutes,” said the former Platinum Stars player.

“It’s going to be very tough. If you look at all the teams, Wits have beefed up. They want to do better than last season.”

Saturday Star



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1PFM1ba
Read More

Prince leading Ajax ‘warriors’

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Roger De Sa will be relying on his “warriors” in the hope of picking up the three points against Maritzburg United.

|||

Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town’s injury crisis so early in the new Premier Soccer League season is well-documented, but coach Roger de Sa still had high praise for his squad.

Ajax take on Maritzburg United at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 8.15pm) - and De Sa will again be relying on those he has called “warriors” in the hope of picking up the three points on offer.

“A few players are definitely out for the Maritzburg game, while we still have to assess a few more before deciding on the final selection,” De Sa said. “But those who have played this season have really put in the work, they’ve been warriors.

“For example, Prince Nxumalo has had to play a role upfront, and he’s been brilliant. I hope it continues.”

Nxumalo signed for Ajax last month and he’s been a wonderful acquisition for the team. With Nathan Paulse out injured early in the season (he has returned to the squad, but De Sa says he’s not ready for 90 minutes yet) and the club still awaiting a work permit for new Zimbabwean signing Thomas Chideu, Nxumalo is the only striker in the squad.

He has carried the load with maturity and aplomb. He’s a bustling forward with a fantastic touch, and able to hold up things in attack and bring teammates into play. Nxumalo’s contribution to the Urban Warriors has been exemplary - and he’s confident of continuing in the same vein.

“It was tough initially,” he said. “I had to get used to a new system, to the way Ajax play football. It has been a settling-in period, but it’s gone well, and it should only get better.”

Nxumalo is originally from Umlazi in Durban. Determined to plot a career in professional football, he arrived at Cape National First Division club FC Cape Town for a trial. He impressed, was snapped up, and had a great season for the Parow-based club.

On the back of his sensational exploits for FC Cape Town, he was signed by SuperSport United. Things never went according to plan there, and he was sent out on loan to Golden Arrows in Durban.

There, Nxumalo inspired Arrows to promotion to the PSL last season.

Having watched the player perform in the NFD, De Sa was keen to lure the player back to the Cape, a transfer which was achieved last month.

“My aim is just to contribute as much as I can to the team,” Nxumalo said. “The club has ambitions, like the league title, we are also in the semi-finals of the MTN8, so I just want to make sure that I help Ajax be as successful as they can.”

In opponents Maritzburg, though, the Urban Warriors are expecting a really tough encounter. And it’s particularly the Capetonian in the Maritzburg squad - Kurt Lentjies - who is a concern for De Sa.

“Kurt is a key part of their game,” the Ajax coach said. “Last season, when they beat us 1-0, he killed us with one moment of brilliance and set up the winner with two minutes to go. He is the engine that makes Maritzburg tick, He’s a spectacular player and needs special attention.Q

“But this is the first home league game of the season. We did well last season, we only lost one home game against (Kaizer) Chiefs. We have to try to maintain that.

“We come out of a tough Cup game against Wits and now we have to shift our focus to the league and try to get some points.”

PSL Fixtures

Saturday: University of Pretoria v Polokwane City; Mamelodi Sundowns v Wits; Black Aces v SuperSport United; Kaizer Chiefs v Free State Stars; Ajax Cape Town v Maritzburg Utd (Cape Town Stadium, 8.15pm)

Sunday: Jomo Cosmos v Golden Arrows; Bloemfontein Celtic v Platinum Stars

Weekend Argus



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1U6cGi7
Read More

No way Jose!

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Roberto Martinez has warned Chelsea that Everton will not sell John Stones even if he hands in a transfer request.

|||

London - Roberto Martinez has warned Chelsea that Everton will not sell John Stones even if the England defender hands in a transfer request.

Chelsea are continuing to pursue Stones aggressively and, having had three offers rejected, they are expected to make a fourth in the region of £35million in an attempt to land a player they regard as John Terry’s long-term successor.

It has been reported that Stones has told Martinez he wants to leave but Everton’s manager yesterday insisted he had not had any such conversation with the 21-year-old. More significantly, he stressed it would not make any difference.

Asked if a transfer request would force the issue, Martinez said: ‘No. When you got a long-term contract those things don’t change at all. If someone comes in from nowhere and puts in a transfer request that is a different situation.

‘In a saga of I don’t know how many weeks now, we are very clear. I speak to John every day. As a footballer, unless two clubs reach an agreement, you can’t do anything.’ But Chelsea, who have conceded five goals in their first two games, appear reluctant to give up their chase for Stones and would be prepared to put him straight into their defence.

‘Let’s see what happens,’ Mourinho said. ‘I don’t speak about players from other clubs when the championship has started. People used to call it the transfer window. I call it the opportunity window. While the window is open, there is always an opportunity.’

Mourinho, whose side visit West Brom on Sunday, named six players whose form has left him fed up - including his back four.

‘I’m not happy with Ivanovic’s form, Cahill’s, John’s (Terry), Azpi’s, Fabregas’s, Matic’s form, We have one point from two matches. I’m not happy with anyone.’

Chelsea’s pursuit of Stones has angered Everton and though Mourinho has attempted to be diplomatic about the situation, Martinez - who will today complete the £6m signing of Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Miro from River Plate - made his feelings clear.

‘We are trying to sign players as well but we are not coming out and saying what we are doing,’ said Martinez.

Meanwhile, Mourinho claims it took him ‘one minute’ to persuade £21m Pedro to move to Chelsea instead of Manchester United.

Daily Mail



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1EKeYfB
Read More

Benteke’s goal shouldn’t have stood

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

The Premier League said Christian Benteke's controversial winning goal for Liverpool against Bournemouth should have been ruled out.

|||

London - Christian Benteke's controversial winning goal for Liverpool against Bournemouth on Monday should have been ruled out, the Premier League said in a rare comment on refereeing decisions on Friday.

An announcement on the League's website (http://ift.tt/11BGrya) said all 20 clubs had received clarification this week about the amendment to the offside rule, which meant that the Liverpool goal should not have counted.

Benteke's goal was allowed to stand even though his team mate Philippe Coutinho, standing in an offside position, attempted to play the ball, distracting the visiting goalkeeper in the process.

The ball ran to Benteke, who scored, but critics said his goal should have been disallowed under recent changes to the interpretation of the offside rule which say that a player does not have to touch the ball to be judged to be interfering with play.

“The Premier League has this week written to its clubs to clarify the new interpretation of the offside law decided by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) this summer,” the league said in a statement.

The referees' body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), had “issued this guidance in order to clear up any misunderstandings that arose following the goal awarded to Liverpool in their Monday night match against AFC Bournemouth,” it added.

Newly promoted Bournemouth felt particularly hard done by in the 1-0 defeat as they also had a goal controversially disallowed. – Reuters



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1NAtA8z
Read More

Trust me on transfers, says Wenger

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal supporters should trust him if he decides not to buy any more players.

|||

London - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club's supporters should trust him if he decides not to buy any further replacements before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea has been Arsenal's only major signing this summer but Wenger said that although his main Premier League rivals have been busier, he will be happy to get through to January at least without any other recruits.

“Even if I look everywhere and listen to everybody at the end of the day I have to make the decisions,” he told reporters on Friday.

“If I just listen to people's opinion, many players who have signed here starting with Vieira, Anelka and Henry would never have signed.

“It is difficult because there's more money in football, more clubs with big resources, and less players available. The funds are there more than the players who could strengthen the squad. That is a big problem.”

Wenger, by far the longest-serving manager in English football after joining Arsenal in 1996, has previously said the window should close once the league season starts.

“We want to develop players as well rather than over-thinking whether to buy,” he said.

“I'm not against buying when it is a plus for your team. If it's just to buy a player at the level of the players that you have to make people happy, I'm not ready for that.”

Reuters



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1fvFaEb
Read More

Zabaleta out for at least a month

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Man City's Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta will be out of action for at least a month after injuring a knee in training.

|||

London - Manchester City's Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta will be out of action for at least a month after injuring a knee in training, the club's website (www.mcfc.co.uk) reported on Friday.

He could miss up to six games.

“It happened in training,” Zabaleta confirmed. “It's the first time in 12 years of senior football that I've ever been injured like this so it's a blow, especially at the start of the season.”

The injury leaves Bacary Sagna as City's only senior right-back.

Left-back Gael Clichy and midfielder Fabian Delph returned to training this week, though it is not known if they will be considered for Sunday's Premier League game at Everton.

City go into the weekend top of the table on goal difference after winning both their opening games 3-0.

Reuters



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1h0ow0w
Read More

Chiefs, Downs need the points

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Big guns Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will both be desperate for first wins of the PSL season.

|||

Cape Town – Big guns Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will both be desperate for first wins of the Absa Premiership season this week when the action returns after the recent cup break.

The two Gauteng giants were both held to goalless draws on the opening weekend of action – defending champions Amakhosi frustrated by Chippa United and the Brazilians blanked out by Platinum Stars.

Seven other clubs will be searching for first victories, while Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax Cape Town, University of Pretoria and Free State Stars are searching for their first points of the campaign.

Arguably the pick of the action takes place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon when Sundowns entertain a new-look Bidvest Wits.

The Students claimed one of the more impressive wins of the opening round when they bagged a 2-1 win over Ajax.

On Saturday night, attention will shift to Soweto where Chiefs welcome Free State Stars to the FNB Stadium.

It is a meeting that pips coach Steve Komphela against one of his former clubs, who he spearheaded so well between 2010 and 2013.

The Amakhosi boss is expecting a tough battle in what will be their first home game of the campaign.

“It’s going to be difficult match,” he said. “We know everyone we come across always brings their A-plus game. It’s part of Kaizer Chiefs.

“We are conceding goals that are totally uncharacteristic of this club. Offensively as well we do create chances but are not clinical, but I am optimistic that things will be okay.”

Also on Saturday, Tuks will be looking to bounce back from their opening day loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows when they entertain Polokwane City, one of only six teams with wins so far, at Tuks Stadium.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Black Aces, who are amongst the six, welcome another team that started with three points, SuperSport United, to the Mbombela Stadium.

Matsatsantsa announced the big arrival of recent Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman this week and it is likely he could make his debut in Nelspruit.

Finally on Saturday, the Urban Warriors will be searching for their first three points against a team that drew their first match of the campaign, Maritzburg United at Cape Town Stadium.

There are two further matches on Sunday afternoon. The pick of those clashes is one between the two promoted clubs as Jomo Cosmos host Arrows at Olen Park in Potchefstroom.

The two teams were battling it out in the National First Division (NFD) last season with Abafana Bes’thende claiming the ultimate honour by winning automatic promotion.

Cosmos, who won their PSL ticket through the play-offs, have never beaten Arrows in the league.

The last match of the round sees Bloemfontein Celtic welcome Platinum Stars to the Free State Stadium.

Orlando Pirates are not in action this week due to their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup, meaning Chippa United are also spectators. – African News Agency (ANA)



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1h0jDVa
Read More

Mourinho loves Pedro's ambition

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Pedro's desire to leave Barcelona in order to further his career was a key factor in persuading Chelsea to sign him.

|||

London - Spanish international Pedro's desire to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world in order to further his career was a key factor in persuading Chelsea to sign him from Barcelona, manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday.

But Mourinho refused to gloat at having apparently put one over rivals Manchester United, who had been regarded as favourites to secure his signature.

“I only want to beat Manchester United on the pitch,” the Portuguese told a news conference. “I don't want to say we won, that's not the point.”

He is nevertheless delighted to have given Chelsea an extra attacking option and has already been impressed with Pedro's attitude.

“He wants something more for his career, that's an evident sign of ambition.

“He won everything playing with all these stars but he wants more and I'm really happy with that.

“When I'm told a player wants to leave Barcelona or Real Madrid, these giant clubs, I always ask 'why?'

“He loves Iniesta, Messi, Neymar and those guys but will leave the comfort zone and come here to a new club, new country, new culture.”

Signing Pedro and the Ghana international Baba Rahman, a left-back, from Bundesliga club Augsburg has given Chelsea a boost after a sluggish start in defence of their Premier League title.

 

 
Pedro

A message for Chelsea fans from Pedro...

Posted by Chelsea Football Club on Thursday, 20 August 2015

 

They drew 2-2 at home to Swansea after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off, and then lost 3-0 to Manchester City.

“We are not happy (with results) but we are calm,” Mourinho said. “This week we got a very good young left-back and we got one of the best attacking players in the world.”

On Sunday Chelsea play away to Tony Pulis's West Bromwich Albion, hoping to avoid another addition to a bizarre run in which their last half dozen league defeats have all come from managers beginning with the letter P - City's Manuel Pellegrini, Pulis at West Bromwich and Crystal Palace, Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino, Newcastle's Alan Pardew and Sunderland's Gus Poyet.

Mourinho claimed not to be aware of that run but smilingly added one of his own for those of a superstitious bent: after previously starting the season with a 2-2 draw, at Porto and Inter, he went on to win the treble.

Reuters



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1hwi5D6
Read More

LVG backs beleaguered Woodward

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in ,,,,,,,,,,,

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said that he had total confidence in executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

|||

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said on Friday that he had total confidence in executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to deliver the goods for the club in the transfer market.

United were this week seemingly beaten by Chelsea in the pursuit of Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez, who joined the Premier League champions in a £21.2 million ($33.2 million, 30 million euros) deal.

United have also failed in an attempt to lure defender Sergio Ramos away from Real Madrid, while Southampton are adamant that they will rebuff any offer for forward Sadio Mane.

But United have successfully completed deals for Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The quintet have helped United make a 100 percent start in the Premier League and beat Club Brugge 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.

Van Gaal says that Woodward is capable of bringing the players he wants to Old Trafford and dismissed any suggestions of a rift between the pair.

“I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward with me,” the Dutchman told his weekly press conference. “No, never. Every day I am updated by him and I trust him.

“I don't think they (the fans) have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many years he is the right person on the right spot.”

United expressed an interest in signing Pedro, only for Chelsea to conclude a deal for the 28-year-old.

United subsequently intimated that their interest in the Spain international had cooled and Van Gaal said that he was not disappointed to have missed out on signing him.

“I think when we want Pedro it was not any problem because there was a clause in his contract,” Van Gaal told reporters.

“It was the easiest transfer. I have said before what we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions.” - AFP

He added: “You can write what you want, but we cannot say what we want. That is the difference. I have the responsibility of protecting the interests of my club and my players.

“If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile (of player that United want), I cannot lie; I say yes. But I didn't say I am interested in the player. That is the difference.

“He is fast and he is creative. That is why I understand the question (of whether he fits the club's profile). I don't want to let known my strategy of players.”

Van Gaal was unwilling to discuss reports that United have now switched their sights to Southampton's Senegalese winger Mane.

“I cannot answer that question neither because I cannot interfere,” he said. “I don't want to interfere. It's for Ed Woodward doing the things and he does it very well, I think.”

United will look to extend their winning start at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, when Schweinsteiger could make his full debut.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder, 31, has been used as a substitute to date, but could replace vice-captain Michael Carrick in a midfield holding role to gain his first start in the Premier League.

“It's a matter of time,” said Van Gaal. “Maybe it shall happen tomorrow (Saturday). You never know. I think he can still do better because when you are not fit enough then it is difficult to show your highest level.

“But I think it's also a matter of time and we have seen a solution in rotating our (second) captain, Michael Carrick, with Schweinsteiger.

“I think it's a very good solution because we can spare them both for the big moments.” – AFP



from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1UX8YJN
Read More