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No problem between LVG, De Gea

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Juan Mata says there is no problem between goalkeeper David de Gea and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after his failed move to Real Madrid.

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There is no problem between goalkeeper David de Gea and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal after his failed move to Real Madrid and midfielder Juan Mata expects his fellow Spaniard to have a fine season.

De Gea, the club's player of the year the last two seasons, was heavily linked with a move to Real throughout the summer transfer window but a deal failed to materialise as the Spanish club ran out of time.

“I've talked with him a lot. There have been hectic and stressful days but he is such a quiet, centred person, nothing changes,” the 27-year-old Mata told British media.

“The last two years David has been the best player in our team. His saves have earned us a lot of points. I have no doubt this will be a very good year, too.

“I don't think there'll be a problem with the club, the coach or the fans. That's what I perceive. The fans love him very much, he's highly regarded by the club and the coach,” the former Chelsea playmaker added.

Fifth-placed United resume their Premier League campaign when they welcome arch-rivals Liverpool, who lie seventh in the table, on Saturday. – Reuters

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Bafana seeking redemption

Bafana Bafana will be seeking redemption when they host Senegal in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Orlando Stadium.

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Bafana Bafana will be seeking redemption tonight when they host Senegal in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Orlando Stadium.

And coach Shakes Mashaba believes the only way for the national team to redeem themselves is through victory.

“It is a must-win to redeem ourselves although it brings pressure on us. But there’s no other way we can do it. For us bouncing back is to score goals and win. Nothing else. Because playing good football and not scoring goals counts for nothing. Winning the game will change the mood.”

Mashaba felt, however, that the gloom from the heavy 3-1 loss at Mauritania on Saturday had already lifted off the team.

“I was happy with the mood, the mood was vibrant. Combinations were there, they were sharing the game well. I think the mood is good for the game. What is left is for us to come up with a very good combination.”

That combination though will not include the central defensive pairing of Erick Mathoho and Rivaldo Coetzee both of whom have been ruled out due to injuries. Also out is Ayanda Patosi – who sat out Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The good news for Mashaba though is that Anele Ngcongca and Thamsanqa Gabuza – scorer of the lone goal in Nouakchott – have passed fitness tests and are available.

Unlike Mauritania, who were somewhat of a closed book to Bafana – although they should have researched them – Senegal are a team South Africa know only too well.

This will be the third time the Lions of Teranga take Bafana on in this match, plus there was that meeting earlier this year in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

Mashaba revealed that he saw a bit of Senegal’s Afcon qualifying clash with Namibia at the weekend and said knowing something about the opposition has its own pressures.

“Senegal, we’ve played them a couple of times so we know them very well. And it helps a bit (knowing them) because it also keeps you on your toes to come with better approach for the game on the day.”

While he had spoken of a private desire for revenge when he announced the squad a fortnight ago, Mashaba said yesterday that past results are far from his mind.

“We use those games just to remind ourselves but there’s nothing too serious that we take from it,” the coach said.

Under severe criticism for Saturday’s calamity in Mauritania, Mashaba was unperturbed.

“What keeps me going is because I am a coach and there must be someone doing it. Just imagine if the coaches were to back down saying we have lost and ran away.

“Even Jesus himself went through pain and he managed to go on to save and preach for the people.

“We must go on as coaches. And also I have courage and the love for the game and that beats everything. This love for the game, well, we have to make sure we give it to the players and the ammunition to go and make it in the world.” - The Star

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Romero up for De Gea challenge

Manager Louis van Gaal's trust has given Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero confidence.

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Manager Louis van Gaal's trust has given Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero confidence and the Argentine is not taking his starting spot in the team for granted.

Romero, who replaced Spaniard David de Gea as United's first choice keeper, has kept four clean sheets but was criticised for their 2-1 loss to Swansea City before the international break.

“Playing for United is a dream and if God helps me this dream will never end,” the 28-year-old Romero was quoted as saying by Argentine daily La Nacion.

“As I have been saying, I have to thank Van Gaal for trusting me. Although I had not done a pre-season, I started playing for the biggest club in the world.

“It's important for a goalkeeper to have this support because there is no rotation between goalkeepers - a goalkeeper starts or he is benched. They are the only two choices - there is not a third one.”

De Gea's failed transfer to Real Madrid will put more pressure on Romero but the goalkeeper, currently on international duty with Argentina, is up for the challenge.

“Let me tell you, I don't think that the goalkeeper spot in United is already mine. I do know that I have a huge support from Van Gaal and his staff,” Romero said.

United, who currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, resume their campaign against arch rivals Liverpool on Saturday. – Reuters

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Ehrenreich tackles Bafana

First he tackled the Springboks for a lack of transformation, now Tony Ehrenreich is crying foul over Bafana Bafana.

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First he tackled the Springboks for a lack of transformation, now Tony Ehrenreich is crying foul over Bafana Bafana.

Cosatu’s Western Cape secretary has red-carded the national soccer team after their humiliating 3-1 loss against 114th-ranked Mauritania in an Afcon Cup qualifier on Saturday.

He called the team management a “disaster” and says Bafana needs a “lekker mixed masala” squad to start winning games in Group M.

Ehrenreich says to the Daily Voice: “I blame this disaster on the team’s management.

“There is no colour there. No white and no coloured. Just one white player and three coloureds. The other 21 players are all African. It has been proven that mixed is better.

“We need a lekker mixed masala, not just the darker spices, but all blends.”

Last month the union body boss sparked a transformation storm after a Springbok team fielding just three players of colour lost 25-37 to Argentina.

Now he is striking out at all sports bosses.

“The [Bafana] management needs to take notes,” he says.

“We need transformation to happen in all our sport, so the teams are always representative of our nation or they will never win.”

And he explains that transformation in soccer has to start at “white schools”.

“The larney white schools only promote rugby and cricket. The schools have not been all white for many years,” says Ehrenreich.

“There are students of colour present in all those previously white schools, but schools like Westerford do not promote football.

“Our kids need a place to train. Grounds need to be adequate for their development.”

And the South African Football Association (Safa) agrees with Ehrenreich.

Safa spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi says: “The issue of colour in South African football should be addressed at school level. It’s the schools that are letting us down.

“White boys at those previously Model C schools are not encouraged to play the sport.

“They are encouraged to play cricket and rugby.

“Safa has requested that football be promoted as part of the curriculum and this will allow all those really good players of any colour to filter through into the game we all love.” - Daily Voice

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Rooney has no regrets about Fergie

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said that he had no regrets about the deterioration of his relationship with the club's legendary former manager Alex Ferguson.

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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said on Monday that he had no regrets about the deterioration of his relationship with the club's legendary former manager Alex Ferguson.

Rooney was dropped towards the end of Ferguson's 27-year Old Trafford tenure in 2013, with the Scot subsequently explaining that the former Everton striker had asked to leave the club for a second time.

But Rooney, appointed United captain by Louis van Gaal last year, said that he continues to hold Ferguson, now a United director, in the highest esteem.

“I don't know if anyone knows how things ended,” Rooney told reporters when asked about his relationship with Ferguson on the eve of England's Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Switzerland on Tuesday.

“I still see Sir Alex quite a bit at games, and he travels away to European games with us. We had differences. That's normal.

“Ask (England manager) Roy (Hodgson): he's had differences with other players. That's part of football.

“I'm not the only person who had differences with Sir Alex Ferguson, but I can still sit here and say he was the greatest manager of all time.

“It's not that we don't like each other. We just had differences. That's normal.”

Rooney equalled Bobby Charlton's England scoring record by netting his 49th international goal in a 6-0 win away to San Marino on Saturday and will be hoping to claim the record outright against the Swiss. – AFP

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Mueller double sinks Scotland

Thomas Mueller scored twice and set up another goal as Germany beat Scotland to move to the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016.

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Glasgow - Thomas Mueller scored twice and set up another goal as Germany beat Scotland 3-2 on Monday to move to the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016 after all but securing a top-two finish in Group D with two games left.

The world champions now have 19 points while Poland, 8-1 winners over Gibraltar, are on 17.

Ireland, who beat Georgia 1-0 and next face Germany in October, are third with 15 points. Scotland have 11 following their second defeat in four days.

The top two automatically reach the finals in France.

Mueller underlined his fine form, he has scored five times in three Bundesliga games this season, by netting in the 18th minute with a deflected effort.

The red-hot forward added his second with a close-range header after Scotland had levelled with a Mats Hummels own goal.

Mueller, who was also on target in Friday's 3-1 victory over Poland, then rode to the rescue again after the home team had levelled once more with a shot from James McArthur before halftime.

The 25-year-old Mueller set up the winner, cutting the ball back for Ilkay Guendogan to fire in off the post in the 54th minute.

“Thomas has had a great run and he is always where the striker has to be, in the five-metre area,” coach Joachim Loew told reporters.

“We gave the same performance as we did against Poland. We wanted the six points from these two games, now we play in Ireland and at home against Georgia.”

Facing two defensive four-man lines, Germany initially struggled to create chances and needed a lucky goal from their first real opportunity as Mueller's seemingly harmless low drive from the edge of the box wrong-footed keeper David Marshall.

Scotland also had some good fortune when keeper Manuel Neuer saved a curling Shaun Maloney free kick but Hummels chested the rebound into his own net.

Mueller nodded in another rebound after Marshall had denied Emre Can before McArthur's shot drew the Scots level again as Gordon Strachan's men refused to buckle.

Guendogan then restored Germany's lead in the second period after combining with Mueller.

Scotland gradually conceded more and more space and the Germans would have bagged more goals but for the excellent Marshall.

“Let's get this straight we're still in this,” said a defiant Strachan of his team's qualifying chances.

“After going behind to the world champions and to keep coming back, keep plugging away, they can be proud.” – Reuters

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Roy impressed by Sterling’s form

England manager Roy Hodgson has been impressed by Raheem Sterling's start to life with Manchester City.

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England manager Roy Hodgson has been impressed by Raheem Sterling's start to life with Manchester City and believes the 20-year-old forward can go on to win 100 international caps.

Sterling endured a difficult end to last season and was roundly criticised for publicly rejecting a contract offer from Liverpool, before leaving for City in a £49 million ($74.9 million, 67 million euros) deal.

He has been a central figure in City's impressive start to the Premier League season, scoring his first goal against Watford on his last appearance, and Hodgson is eager for him to take that form into Tuesday's game with Switzerland, having been rested against San Marino on Saturday.

“He's ready to go tomorrow (Tuesday) and we're hoping he brings his City form with him,” Hodgson told reporters at England's team hotel in Watford on the eve of the Euro 2016 qualifier with Switzerland.

“It's a big year for him. He'll have a lot of big years: France in 2016, Russia in 2018, 2020 all over Europe (the Euro finals are taking place all over Europe), and 2022...

“It's a big year and something to look forward to, but at his age he has plenty more to look forward to. I'm sure that, one day, he'll be looking forward to sitting here alongside me with over 100 caps.”

England secured their place at Euro 2016 by crushing San Marino 6-0 in Serrvalle on Saturday and Hodgson confirmed on Monday they will be based in Chantilly, near Paris during the tournament in France.

Having equalled Bobby Charlton's England scoring record of 49 goals against San Marino, skipper Wayne Rooney can claim the record outright if he finds the net at Wembley.

The unheralded Aldo Simoncini was the man who conceded goal number 49, but it is the thought of pitting his wits against Europe's leading shot-stoppers next June that is exercising Rooney's mind at present.

“It gives you more to think about because they're top goalkeepers,” said the 29-year-old Manchester United captain.

“We do a lot of homework and study on them, as a striker looking at the defenders to exploit their weaknesses.

“I'll watch videos of (Italy's Gianluigi) Buffon one v one, to see which angles he puts his body in so you know where to finish, but it's also about your instinct on the pitch.”

His homework had not yet extended to Switzerland's Yann Sommer, however, with a question from a Swiss journalist about the Borussia Moenchengladbach number one prompting an uncomfortable pause.

“We're doing the video (analysis) tonight (Monday) on their team, so I'll watch tonight and tomorrow before the game and see his strengths,” Rooney said. “I'm sure he's a quality keeper if he's playing for Switzerland.”

England require a point against Switzerland to secure top spot in Group E ahead of October's final qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.

Rooney's United team-mate Michael Carrick has been ruled out with a calf injury, so Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey could continue in a midfield holding role after catching the eye against San Marino.

In a previous job, Hodgson led Switzerland to the World Cup finals in 1994 – the first time they had reached the tournament since 1966 – and the country he once called home is hoping he might do them another favour.

Switzerland's qualification hopes were in serious jeopardy after they fell 2-0 down at home to Slovenia on Saturday, but a stirring late fightback yielded a remarkable 3-2 victory that means they can secure at least a play-off place by winning at Wembley.

“We had a bit of luck, but we deserved to win,” said coach Vladimir Petkovic, after his side prevailed courtesy of three goals in 14 minutes from Valentin Stocker and substitute Josip Drmic, whose brace included a 94th-minute winner.

“We said that, as a team, we wanted to stay together and be positive. I'm really proud of the team. It's not every day you manage to do something like this.” – AFP

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MTN8 final tickets on sale

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed that tickets for the 2015/16 MTN8 final are now available at Computicket and Shoprite stores countrywide.

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Johannesburg - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) together with sponsors MTN have confirmed that tickets for the 2015/16 MTN8 final are now available at Computicket and Shoprite stores countrywide.

They are selling at R80 (West stand) and R40 (for the rest of the stadium). Defending Champions Kaizer Chiefs will play host to Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final which will take place on September 19 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm. PSL CEO, De Villiers urged fans to purchase their tickets early.

“We have seen some impressive numbers in this year's MTN8 competition when it comes to crowd attendance and we are anticipating another big turnout at the Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday, 19 September 2015.” - African News Agency (ANA)

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Where is Bafana’s transformation?

Following the debate about transforming the Springbok squad, attention is now focused on the national soccer team.

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Following the recent debate about transformation in the Springbok rugby squad, Twitter users have turned their attention on Bafana Bafana.

Pointing out that talk of transformation has traditionally been centered on rugby and cricket, tweeters have been asking: “What about Bafana Bafana?”

The national soccer team’s recent disasterous outing against Mauritania, ranked 42 places below South Africa, brought into sharp focus the poor shape Bafana is in.

Many Twitter users expressed the sentiment that the national cricket and rugby teams should not be the only ones forced to address the issue of racial composition of their teams.

One tweet summed up the general feeling amongst Twitter users:

@christod tweeted: since the term “transformation” is such a hit in SA sports, im looking forward seeing the #bokke bcoming #allblacks. and bafana white. #fair

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It hurts to lose like that - Furman

Following a crushing 3-1 defeat to Mauritania, Bafana midfielder Dean Furman said the side were bitterly disappointed.

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Johannesburg - Following a crushing 3-1 defeat in their 2017 Africa cup of Nations qualifier to Mauritania in Nouakchott, on Sunday, midfielder Dean Furman said the side were bitterly disappointed.

“It hurts to have to lose like that but we know the performance wasn’t good enough and that is why there were a lot of disheartened players at the end of the game,” said Furman after the match.

“But we are team, we are together in the good times and we stick together in the hard times but we will grow and also learn from this.”

South Africa conceded a goal early when captain Itumeleng Khune failed to gather free kick directed straight as he fumbled the ball which crossed the line to gift the hosts a 1-0 lead.

“We are very disappointed; the game did not go according to plan. We found ourselves a goal down very early on and wanted to weather the storm. I felt we controlled the game but we were sloppy with the ball, tried to break down a team that had all the players sitting behind the ball waiting for a counter attack,” said Furman.

“Our ball retention and use of the ball had to be far better than what we displayed on the day. Credit must also go to Mauritania, they played well managing to catch us on the counter attack with their second and third goals and the sending off which turned the game into their favour even more. We are highly disappointed with the result and it is important for us to put it right as soon as possible.”

In contrast to Bafana’s previous campaign in the qualifiers where they topped their group, South Africa now find themselves at the bottom of the group with two matches played.

“It is truly a disappointing start looking back at the last qualifiers where we were top of our group from the first couple of games so to be in a different position, at the bottom of the group is not where we want to be but we have the ability, the talent, and the team to put things right and that’s what we have to focus on going forward.”

ANA

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Nothing went our way - Mashaba

With four matches left in the Afcon qualifiers, Bafana Bafana have it all to do to keep hope alive in qualifying for Gabon 2017.

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Cape Town - A mistake by Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng, a red card to debutant Siyabonga Zulu and two further goals for Mauritania were enough for the home side to send South Africa home with no points in a CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations clash played on Saturday, 5 September in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

This was probably Bafana Bafana's worst showing in a long time to leave Shakes Mashaba's charges at the bottom of Group M with just one point after two matches.

Mashaba admitted as much when the squad landed from Mauritania on Sunday, 6 September.

“I must admit we did not play well at all against Mauritania. Furthermore the mistake by the keeper and the red card did not help matters, as well as injuries to key players towards the end of the game.

“Credit must go to the home side for the way they played but on a good day they are team that should not beat us - it is a pity we did not come to the party and it has cost us valuable three points. But take nothing away from them, they play as a team and are very passionate with some players with individual skill,” said a disappointed Mashaba.

“I have never seen my team played like they did, this was not a very impressive performance. Nothing went our way and even the heat did not assist. We managed to hold on after they took the lead, and were even able to equalise but could not hold on. They scored soft goals after the red card and the entire defence was in tatters as players picked up injuries.”

With four matches left in the qualifiers - two home and two away - Bafana Bafana have it all to do to keep hope alive in qualifying for Gabon 2017.

“The clash against Mauritania was a must-win for us, but everything is not lost. We have four games to go, 12 points to play for but that comes with pressure because any slip up and we will not make it to Gabon. Right now in terms of qualification it is still up in the air and it is upon us to get it right in the remaining matches,” added Mashaba.

Mauritania scored through Aly Abeide (5th), Boubacar Beyguili (78th) and Khalil Ahmed (86th) while South Africa's solitary goal came from Thamsanqa Gabuza (69th). Bafana Bafana take on Senegal on Tuesday, in a Nelson Mandela Challenge.

“Due to the injuries we will definitely make some changes and also because we want to give other players a chance who did not play in the first match,” concluded Mashaba. South Africa will conduct a training session at Orlando Stadium on Monday. - African News Agency (ANA)

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Wake up Shakes!

Coach Shakes Mashaba seems not to have grasped the calamity of Saturday's result against a team ranked 42 places below SA.

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The irony was clearly lost on Shakes Mashaba that it was the opposition – and not his own team – he was describing.

At OR Tambo International Airport yesterday, following their return from Mauritania where they were hammered 3-1 on Saturday night, South Africa’s senior national team coach was asked for his thoughts on their conquerors.

“They work as a team; they are committed; they are passionate; they show they want to play; they have two or three players who are very good,” Mashaba unflinchingly responded.

To which he should have perhaps added: “That’s why they whipped us”.

Instead, the Bafana Bafana coach had preceded his statement with a shocking assertion that his team is better than the north west African side.

“Truly speaking, to me they are not a team to beat us. Yes, they beat us convincingly but on a day when our boys were right, they are not a team to beat us.”

Well, that day was definitely not Saturday and for the coach to even venture there, was perhaps an indication that he does not really understand the calamity of Saturday’s result.

The loss to a team ranked 42 places behind us in the Fifa world rankings has turned qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations into a Herculean task.

But, of course, the coach believes Bafana can still be among the 16 nations that will contest the biennial, continental showpiece in Gabon – their propping up the Group M table with a single point from two matches (before Gambia played Cameroon late yesterday), notwithstanding.

“This was a must win for us and we were looking at winning it. But everything is not lost. We still have another four games, which puts more pressure on us, and we have to make it a point we snatch the maximum points.”

That will require Bafana to avenge Saturday’s defeat when Mauritania come to visit and put Cameroon to the sword here at home, too.

As if that was not much to ask of a team that resembled a bunch of sissies – although the coach, incredibly, seemed to believe Bafana left it all on the pitch of the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott – they then also have to go to Cameroon and Gambia and win there.

Granted, Mashaba believes his team plays better away, but having failed to score against Gambia when they hosted them, it is hard to see them bringing home maximum points from Banjul. As for beating the Indomitable Lions in their own backyard, that would be a historic moment in the continental game – Cameroon being the only nation of Caf’s 54 member associations never to have lost an Afcon qualifier at home.

“It’s a 50-50. We’re still in with a good chance – four games to go which is 12 points.

“We need to work hard and snatch those,” Mashaba said.

There’s a lot of time, however, before their next Afcon qualifier with no less than four clashes against Angola – home and away qualification ties for both the African Nations Championships and World Cup preliminary – to come.

Anything less than success there, particularly in the World Cup matches, and it is debatable as to whether Mashaba will be in charge for Matchday Three and Four during the week-long Fifa dates when they will play back-to-back clashes against Cameroon on March 23 to 29 next year. - The Star

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Top ten EPL transfer gambles

With transfer window having closed last week, we look at some of the riskier transfers to have taken place in England.

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With transfer window having closed last week, we look at some of the riskier transfers to have taken place in England.

10. Etienne Capoue , Watford £6.3M

The French midfielder offers Watford some much-needed Premier League quality but in a potential relegation battle he will need to show more fight.

9. Roberto Firmino, Liverpool £29M

A huge fee for someone who still had to convince in a German league he was familiar with – and he arrives in what is a crux season for manager Brendan Rodgers.

8. James McClean, WEST BROMWICH £1.5M

Often unfairly criticised for his political stances, the Northern Ireland-born Republic winger still brings a lot of otherwise needless controversy. Is his talent worth all the trouble?

7. Aleksander Mitrovic, Newcastle £15M

Taken on talent alone, the Serbian striker would be a top signing. But his abrasive personality and poor reputation, as seen with his red card against Arsenal, so often compromise those abilities.

6. Alex Song, West Ham Loan

The Cameroonian holding midfielder made a big impact last season when he arrived from Barcelona but he then faded, and his start this season is already curtailed by injury.

5. Radamel Falcao, Chelsea Loan

Like their central defence, it is surprising that Chelsea’s back-up options up front are pinned on someone who has so many questions hanging over him.

4. Anthony Martial, Man Utd £36.3M

The French striker would be a fine purchase of great potential. But in the absence of another big attacking signing, it’s an awful lot of pressure to put on someone so young for so much money.

3. Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City £56M

Those close to the Belgian national team expressed surprise at the move since he seemed far better suited to the directness of German football rather than City’s technical short passing.

2. Papy Djilobodji, Chelsea £2.7M

Jose Mourinho wanted a pedigree centre-half to finally give him another starting option. The Senegalese, a bargain-basement signing from Nantes, for all his possible qualities, is not that.

1. Younes Kaboul, Sunderland £5M

Dick Advocaat’s side badly needed someone to shore up a porous backline but their big defensive signing from France via Tottenham has so far only made it worse. – The Independent on Sunday

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Welbeck out for six months

Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck will be out for six months and might be doubtful for England's campaign at the Euro 2016 in France.

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Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck will be out for six months and might be doubtful for England's campaign at the Euro 2016 in France, manager Roy Hodgson has said.

The 24-year-old Welbeck underwent surgery on his left knee last week after struggling to progress in his rehabilitation following an injury, his club Arsenal said.

The former Manchester United striker has not played since damaging the knee after coming on as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on April 26.

“Well, Welbeck bothers me now. He has already been out for me since March and for Arsenal since April, and now I hear it's another six months,” the 68-year-old Hodgson was quoted as saying by the British media.

“I can only hope that Danny recovers a bit quicker and then hits the ground running.”

Hodgson also compared Welbeck's injury problems with that of Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge and while he is keen on them being fit, he is also prepared to look elsewhere.

“Daniel is a bit the same. It's getting on for a year now (since he played for England),” said the former Liverpool manager.

“They are always in my thoughts because I think they're very good players and they did extremely well when they were playing in the national team I was coaching.

“I've got to make certain that there are a few Vardys and Kanes and Walcotts, because we can't keep going around talking about the ones who aren't there.” – Reuters

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We made big mistakes - Khune

Itumeleng Khune described Bafana Bafana's 3-1 loss to Mauritania in their Afcon qualifier as a huge setback.

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Cape Town - Itumeleng Khune has described Bafana Bafana's 3-1 loss to Mauritania in a Group M clash of the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Saturday, as a huge setback .

Captaining the side on the day, Khune gifted the hosts a goal early on the match.

“I committed a big mistake with the goal I let in and after that it was a huge mountain to climb. I had the ball covered but it took a swerve at the last minute and unfortunately I was too close to the poles and it went in. It is devastating to concede like that. Also, whenever you play away, it is always difficult to concede early and have to chase the game,” said Khune who was playing in his 71st international match and is the most capped in the squad.

“The result is a huge setback because we have now dropped five points out of a possible six - we picked up only one point at home. We should have collected three points at home and strived at worst for a point away, but we failed to do so. We can only have ourselves to blame and again it is only us who can rectify that. We still have 12 points to play for, but it means we have to win all the way and we could find ourselves on 13 points. So it is still up to us, we just have to bounce back from this disappointment.”

This was Bafana Bafana's second match of the qualifiers and have only one point.

“It is definitely not pleasing that we came all the way to Mauritania looking for three points but have to return home with none but we know where we went wrong, and we will have to improve on a lot of aspects of our game if we are to do well in the qualifiers. We had the better ball possession and dictated terms but it is just unfortunate that we have nothing to show for it,” added Khune. “With the goals they scored in the second half we were outnumbered as we were trying to push forward, playing with a man down. We cannot fault anyone for the loss but must take the blame as players. The worst result should have been a point away from home. We had a rush of blood after we equalised and went looking for the winner which did not come.

“We made huge mistakes which cost us the game - the first being my error in the first goal, and that's when we were tested. So we need to get it right in the remaining matches.” - African News Agency (ANA)

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