By Razeen Gutta

Orlando Pirates stretched their winning run to five matches in the Betway Premiership and moved within a point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after a 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants in Rustenburg on Sunday.

Kabelo Kgositsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi were on target for the Buccaneers as they continue to build momentum at the top.

Kaizer Chiefs, in contrast, blinked again. Amakhosi were held 0-0 by Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium after Lebohang Maboe missed a penalty, leaving them fourth and losing ground in the title race.

AmaZulu kept pace in third after Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s goal sealed a 1-0 win at Polokwane City on Saturday.

It was Usuthu’s third successive victory.

Sekhukhune United climbed to sixth with a dramatic 3-2 win at Richards Bay. Tshepo Mokoena, Samba O’Neil and Ellis Rammala scored for Babina Noko, despite a brace from Nqaba Xulu.

Stellenbosch FC ended a three-match winless run with a 1-0 win over Kruger United thanks to Keanan Johannesen’s first professional goal, while Harold Majadibodu’s 62nd-minute strike lifted Chippa United to ninth with a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy.

Milford FC stayed fifth after a 1-1 draw with Durban City.

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates

Source: @orlandopirates

By Razeen Gutta

Manchester City moved top of the Premier League after surviving a Brian Brobbey hat-trick to beat Sunderland 5-3 in a chaotic thriller at the Etihad on Sunday.

City capitalised on Arsenal’s 3-0 shock loss at Brighton, but were pushed all the way by the Black Cats, who had won their first European game in 53 years in midweek.

Enzo Fernandez marked his big money move from Chelsea with a near-post free-kick to open the scoring. Brobbey levelled from Enzo Le Fee’s pass, before Rayan Cherki’s slick finish restored City’s lead.

Sunderland hit back again four minutes later, only for Antoine Semenyo to smash City 3-2 ahead before the break and then make it 4-2 on the hour.

Brobbey completed his treble after Nilson Angulo beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to a long ball, and Ruben Dias had to clear off the line after more nerves from the Italian keeper.

Erling Haaland finally struck to seal the points, maintaining his record of scoring against every Premier League opponent he has faced.

Elsewhere, Liverpool scraped past Andoni Iraola’s former side Bournemouth after Alexander Isak’s winner, while Manchester United only managed a 1-1 draw against Fulham courtesy of a late Matheus Cunha equaliser.

Chelsea were stunned 3-0 away at Brentford on Friday night while Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles continued with a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Next up, the league takes a pause for a lengthy international break, with Uefa Nations League action on the horizon.

Pictured above: Antoine Semenyo

Source: @mancity

By Razeen Gutta

Bjorn Fortuin led from the front with career-best figures as South Africa romped to a nine-wicket win over Namibia in the third and final ODI on Sunday to complete a 3-0 whitewash.

Winning the toss for the third successive time, the hosts opted to bat first and were again exposed by the gulf in class between the two sides.

The Namibians were bundled out for 156 in 36.2 overs.

Captain Fortuin claimed 4/33 in his 10 overs, bamboozling the hosts with flight and control, while Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch struck early to remove Michael van Lingen and Jan Frylinck.

A 53-run stand between Alexander Busing-Volschenk and Louren Steenkamp briefly steadied the innings, but Steenkamp’s dismissal triggered a collapse of three wickets for seven runs.

Zane Green hit 33 and Max Heingo smashed an unbeaten 20 off six balls to add late cheer, before Fortuin ended the innings with a stunning diving catch running back.

Chasing 157, openers Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen made light work of it.

Hermann smashed 77 off 59 balls and Esterhuizen finished 68 not out, combining for 17 fours and three sixes.

Waldo Smith yorked Hermann for his first international wicket, but Dewald Brevis sealed victory with a huge six in the 22nd over, wrapping up the contest nice and early..

Hermann was named Player of the Series.

Pictured above: Proteas

Source: @cricbuzz

By Razeen Gutta

Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to a famous 1-0 derby day victory at Old Trafford to maintain Enzo Maresca’s perfect start.

City’s Sunday looked in ruins after just 23 minutes when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes after the United captain had fouled him. The Portugal international escaped a red himself after an initial kick to Foden’s back.

Despite being a man down, City were the more dangerous side.

Kobbie Mainoo blocked Rayan Cherki’s effort and Youri Tielemans almost turned Antoine Semenyo’s cross into his own net.

United’s best moments came via the woodwork, with a Marcus Rashford free-kick crashing off the post before Mainoo curled onto the upright after the break.

The winner arrived on the hour mark and was shrouded in controversy.

Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross was swept home by Haaland, with VAR ruling him onside and deciding Enzo Fernandez was not interfering after stooping to head the ball himself.

Haaland and Fernandez both hit the post late, but City held firm, with Gianluigi Donnarumma denying Bryan Mbeumo in stoppage time after a fine Fernandes pass.

The victory leaves City and Arsenal locked on 12 points, after the Gunners beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Liverpool and Chelsea only managed draws against Fulham and Hull City respectively.

Pictured above: Manchester City

Source: @mancity

By Razeen Gutta

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns both slipped up in the league this weekend. While the big boys were held to 1-1 draws, newcomers Milford FC stole the show with a 5-1 thrashing.

The action started on Friday at the Athlone Stadium, where Bradley Grobler’s late equaliser rescued a point for Stellenbosch FC after Bethuel Muzeu had put Sekhukhune United ahead.

On Saturday, Chiefs failed to capitalise on Orlando Pirates’ absence due to CAF commitments.

Lebohang Maboe gave Amakhosi a deserved lead at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium against Polokwane City, but a costly error from Brandon Petersen saw Giovanni Philander’s corner drift straight in for a 1-1 draw.

Sundowns suffered similar frustration at the Buffalo City Stadium.

Sirgio Kammies looked to have earned Chippa United a first-ever win over Masandawana with a late strike, only for Antonio Van Wyk’s heavily deflected effort deep in stoppage time to salvage a point.

Sundowns move seven points clear, but have played three games more than Pirates.

AmaZulu leapfrogged Chiefs into third after Thabowenkosi Ngwenya’s ninth goal of the season sealed a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants.

Sunday belonged to Milford, who thrashed 10-man Richards Bay 5-1 after Lindokuhle Zikhali’s first-half red card, while Kruger United earned their first top-flight win, 1-0 over TS Galaxy.

Pictured above: Amakhosi held by Polokwane City

Source: @kcfcofficial

By Razeen Gutta

Manchester United celebrated their Uefa Champions League comeback with a commanding 4-0 win over Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday after Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and Arsenal overcame Napoli 1-0 on Wednesday.

Matheus Cunha opened his account for the season after 27 minutes from Patrick Dorgu’s cross, before captain Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead from Youri Tielemans’ assist.

Benjamin Sesko then rounded keeper Stas Pokatilov to make it 3-0 before the break after being played in by Bryan Mbeumo.

Joy-Lance Mickels had missed a huge chance to equalise for the debutants from five yards and United punished them.

Lisandro Martinez added a fourth after a scramble from Joshua Zirkzee’s backheel, allowing boss Michael Carrick to hand Champions League debuts to youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

City, who will make the short trip to Old Trafford on the weekend, picked up a 2-0 win away at Porto with Erling Haaland netting a brace for Enzo Marseca’s side on Tuesday.

Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday as well while Aston Villa were 3-2 victors over Club Brugge.

On Wednesday, Liverpool came back from behind to beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield while Martin Odegaard got the winner for Arsenal in Naples. Barcelona were 5-1 winners over Feyenoord.

In Italy, Cesc Fabregas’s Como enjoyed a dream debut in the competition, thrashing RB Leipzig 4-1 on Thursday.

Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas and Assane Diao put them in control before Andrija Maksimovic pulled one back, with Maximo Perrone sealing it late.

Bayern Munich had to work before eventually putting away Bodo Glimt 5-0.

Jamal Musiala, on his return after a medical scare during pre-season, opened the scoring, before Harry Kane headed in from Michael Olise. The England captain has now scored in eight straight Champions League games.

Alphonso Davies and two from Olise completed the rout with the German champions looking dominant in the second period.

Pictured above: Manchester United

Source: @utd.basis

By Razeen Gutta

Arsenal ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start with a statement 2-1 comeback win in a fiery London derby at the Emirates on Sunday.

Chelsea, transformed under new boss Xabi Alonso, struck after just 77 seconds through summer signing Morgan Rogers.

Reece James’ free-kick was not cleared by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, allowing the former Aston Villa midfielder to fire low past David Raya for Arsenal’s first conceded goal of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s champions, who have now won three from three, responded emphatically to do so.

Kai Havertz equalised against his old club in the 25th minute, drifting in from the right to beat new Chelsea keeper Emiliano Martinez at his near post with a low drive through Maxence Lacroix’s legs.

Arsenal won it five minutes after half-time with a superb team move. Christos Tzolis threaded a clever pass to Havertz, whose dummy released Odegaard to slot home from 10 yards.

Chelsea pushed late, with Pedro Neto hitting the post and Estevao Willian denied by Raya, while Malo Gusto blazed over.

The result leaves second-placed Arsenal behind leaders Manchester City on goals scored.

Elsewhere on the day, Everton leveled twice to eventually secure a point against Manchester United.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring just after the break before Tyrique George’s first Everton goal made it 1-1 in the closing stages.

The Red Devils thought they had earned the late win when Benjamin Sesko made it 2-1 in the 88th minute, but debutant Maitland-Niles netted in the sixth minute of stoppage time to give the Merseysiders a point.

All eyes will now turn to continental football when the Uefa Champions League kicks off in midweek.

Pictured above: Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard

Source: @premierleague

By Razeen Gutta

Erling Haaland kept Manchester City’s perfect Premier League start intact with the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday.

Enzo Marseca’s side have now won all three league games under their new boss, who replaced Pep Guardiola after his emotional departure following a decade in charge.

New signing Enzo Fernandez, a record deadline-day arrival from Chelsea, created the decisive moment, finding Antoine Semenyo whose cross was headed home by Haaland for his third goal of the season.

Maresca, without the injured Nico O’Reilly, also handed a debut to Iliman Ndiaye in a reshaped squad that has seen Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all depart during the transfer window.

City now sit top ahead of Sunday’s London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, with both those sides also aiming to protect their perfect starts.

Tottenham Hotspur’s blunt beginning continued as they were held 0-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who spent heavily after finishing 17th last season, are still without a goal after defeats to Brentford and Newcastle.

Forest had a Neco Williams strike ruled out for handball after a VAR check. Both sides are still searching for a first win.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Hull stayed unbeaten after a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa to move second after Brentford against Sunderland and Brighton versus Leeds both ended 1-1. Crystal Palace beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage.

In Saturday’s early kick off Newcastle United drew 2-2 with Bournemouth after Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0 on Friday night football.

Pictured above: Manchester City

Source: @mancity

By Razeen Gutta

Rassie Erasmus became the most successful coach against the All Blacks as South Africa powered to a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

In front of 87 000 fans, the world champions came from behind to secure the win, with Siya Kolisi also becoming the Springboks’ most successful captain in terms of victories.

New Zealand started brilliantly and looked set to emulate their 1996 series win on South African soil.

Ardie Savea barged over twice in the first half as the visitors dazzled with their attack while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-down.

Kurt-Lee Arendse hit back for the Boks, before a penalty try from a dominant scrum levelled it 12-12 at the break.

Will Jordan’s try in the 56th minute put the All Blacks back in front, but the Boks responded immediately through Jesse Kriel to take the lead for the first time.

The decisive moment came from their power game, with a huge driving maul sending Malcolm Marx over, before Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s penalty made it a 12-point margin.

A late consolation after the hooter made the final score 29-24, but the contest was already won.

The Boks will now head to Baltimore for the finale next week chasing down the inaugural trophy.

Pictured above: Springboks

Source: @bokrugby

Players on the move: Razeen Gutta takes a look at all the biggest moves from a dramatic Deadline Day, as clubs across Europe left it late to get their final deals over the line.

Manchester City saved their biggest move for last, completing the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million (± R3 billion), matching the British transfer record.

The Argentine midfielder has signed a five-year contract and becomes City’s latest major addition in what has been a remarkable summer of spending.

City also completed the £65 million (± R1.6 billion) signing of Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal after two seasons at Goodison Park, becoming another major piece of City’s squad rebuild.

Jack Grealish subsequently headed in the opposite direction, joining Everton on loan.

There was a distinct Senegalese spark to the deadline day proceedings, with Ndiaye and Ibrahim Mbaye completing two of the Premier League’s biggest deals of the day.

Mbaye joined Aston Villa from Paris Saint-Germain for £47 million (± R1.1 billion), while Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, also from Senegal, left England for a new chapter at Juventus on loan.

Liverpool completed the blockbuster signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £107 million (± R2.6 billion), with the deal potentially rising to £123 million (± R3 billion).

The Reds also rejected Manchester City’s £80 million approach for Cody Gakpo, meaning the Dutch forward will remain at Anfield.

Barcelona added Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus to their attack, completing a deadline-day deal worth £8.6 million (± R210 million).

Arsenal, meanwhile, failed in their attempts to prise Julian Alvarez away from Atletico, with the Argentine forward remaining in Madrid.

Sunderland won the race for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, completing a deal worth around £31 million (± R750 million), while Tottenham strengthened their squad with the loan signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea and also brought in Tosin Adarabioyo.

And that was just the finale.

Premier League clubs ended the window having spent a record amount, with Reuters putting the total at approximately £3.46 billion (± R84 billion).

Manchester City led the way with around £458 million (± R10 billion) spent, underlining just how extraordinary this transfer window has been.

Pictured above: Enzo Fernandez

Source: @mancity