Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela insists the Buccaneers are narrowing the divide between themselves and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela insists the Buccaneers are ready to challenge perennial champions' Mamelodi Sundowns for dominance of the South African football scene.
Five time back-to-back DStv Premiership champions Sundowns face off with Pirates in league action at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
“It’s no secret that they (Sundowns) have had enormous success. They’ve done things right and their process finally is paying off for them. But we know what we have to do in order to surpass that level [that Sundowns have reached]," Maela said at a media conference at their training base, Rand Stadium, yesterday.
“I think we are heading in the right direction... we are heading in that way. We know that we are more than capable of beating anyone in this league.
“As much as we are saying we are playing against a good team, a decent team, I think they know where they are that they are also playing a very, very strong team, a confident team.
“We are a team that plays with aggression and unity, and we are enjoyable to watch. I am sure where they are, they know it’s not going to be easy, definitely not esigodini (Orlando Stadium).
“Each and every player we have in the squad is looking forward to playing in this match. Each and every player wants to be part of such games but we also accept that only 11 players can start the match,” Maela said.

Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates' readiness to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title

https://storage.googleapis.com/mobi_express/images/2023/3/1024x768_innocent-maela-orlando-pirates-captain-march-2023.jpeg

127.0.0.1:5000/article/innocent-maela-backs-orlando-pirates-readiness-to-challenge-mamelodi-sundowns-for-the-title-3

Vodacom Soccer | News | Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates' readiness to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title

Manchester City will again be without John Stones and Bernardo Silva for Saturday's Premier League trip to Wolves, although Pep Guardiola has said the former is "much better".

Manchester City will again be without John Stones and Bernardo Silva for Saturday's Premier League trip to Wolves, although Pep Guardiola has said the former is "much better".
England defender Stones has not played since City's Community Shield clash with Arsenal on August 6 due to a thigh issue.
The treble winners also have Silva sidelined after he came off against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League last week having sustained what Guardiola described as a "little injury", while Kevin De Bruyne is recovering from hamstring surgery.
Boss Guardiola told a press conference on Friday: "We have training this afternoon.
"I think John is still not ready. Kevin is still not ready. Bernardo Silva also is not OK. I think the rest are fine.
"He (Stones) is better, much better. I spoke with him, he feels really good. He is training alone, but maybe next week, or after RB Leipzig (next Wednesday) he will restart."
City, who lead the Premier League table with maximum points from six outings, also have Rodri out at the moment – the midfielder serves the second game of his three-match ban after being sent off in last Saturday’s 2-0 league win over Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola brought on Kalvin Phillips after Rodri's dismissal, and he then came into the starting line-up for the 1-0 Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle four days later.
Other available midfield options are summer signings Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, who City bought from Wolves last month.
Guardiola said: "Just for the amount he (Rodri) has played, the consistency – of course, it is not easy to replace.
"But he's out, we're are going to find another quality, skills that Rodri maybe hasn’t. We are going to use it for the benefit of the team.
“(Phillips) has a chance (of being selected) like the other ones. He’s part of the group, he made incredible contributions playing not regularly. I don't have any complaints about that.
"Sometimes we are looking for something specific for some positions. When the game is a little bit (moves hands about and scrunches up face) Kalvin is the perfect one.
"When the game has to be everything in the details, maybe he struggles a little bit more. The game against Newcastle was a tough game, he helped us a lot to win against Nottingham Forest. He has specific qualities, and in some moments we will need him."
In the last couple of games, Jack Grealish has returned after injury, coming off the bench against Forest, then starting the Newcastle cup tie.
Guardiola was asked about competition in attack between Grealish and Jeremy Doku, another of City's summer signings, being a talking point, and said: "Jeremy can play on the right as well. So who is going to play more, who is going to perform better?
"Phil Foden can play on the left too. So they compete with Phil Foden as well.
"The guy who performs well and feels better than the other one is going to have more chances to play. Always it has been like that."
When it was put to Guardiola that that people may regard Wolves – who are 16th with four points – as an easy fixture for City, he said: "Normally all the games we play are 'easy' – and if we don't win the Premier League, 10 points in front, in November, it's a disaster! I know exactly what it is.
"(Wolves boss Gary) O'Neil did an incredible job at Bournemouth and I have the feeling they will do it too. It is a team where the quality is there.
"Hopefully we can respond with these next three games before before the international break."

John Stones 'much better' but will still be absent for Man City's trip to Wolves 

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has raised eyebrows by suggesting that Girona could be genuine contenders for the La Liga title.

In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has raised eyebrows by suggesting that Girona could be genuine contenders for the La Liga title.
As the two teams prepare to face off at Estadi Montilivi, the Italian tactician has acknowledged the threat posed by the Catalan side, and Saturday's showdown could see the winner sit atop the league table.
Last season, Los Blancos endured a humbling 4-2 defeat at the hands of Girona in northern Catalonia, a night that still stings in Madridistas' memories. Ancelotti, however, is determined to avoid a repeat performance, stating confidently to reporters, "Tomorrow, what happened last season will not happen."
Comparisons have been drawn to the fairy tale of Leicester City's Premier League triumph in England. When asked about the possibility of Girona emulating the Spanish equivalent, Ancelotti responded cautiously, emphasizing the need to assess the present moment and acknowledge Girona's early-season achievements. "Girona has outperformed many others in these initial games," Ancelotti acknowledged. "We must respect this. Girona can fight for the title."
One significant advantage that Girona hold is their absence from European competitions. With no midweek fixtures to contend with, they can meticulously prepare for domestic clashes. Ancelotti shed light on the challenges faced by teams involved in international competitions, revealing, "What affects teams the most at this stage are the international competitions, because we have injuries, fatigue, and limited recovery time."
To underscore the demanding schedule, Ancelotti referred to a scenario where players return from international duty on the 19th and are expected to face Sevilla on the 21st. "If there is a delay in their flights," Ancelotti emphasized, "I have to tell the player that we will see you in Seville; they will not stop in Madrid but go directly to Seville."
Real have been vocal about the taxing football calendar and its adverse impact on player well-being and game quality. Ancelotti's comments echo these concerns, highlighting the strain on athletes in the relentless pursuit of success.
Moreover, Ancelotti disclosed a tactical adjustment in Real Madrid's approach for the season. The full-backs have been tasked with adopting higher positions on the field. With a formidable Girona attacking unit and the return of Vinicius Junior, the exact role of these full-backs remains a point of intrigue. Ancelotti explained, "In this early part of the season, we have instructed them to venture further forward than usual, especially when we lack a winger of Vinicius's calibre."
He added, "The work has paid off, and we have found the net through crosses. However, defensively, we have encountered difficulties, especially against teams fielding five forwards between the lines."
Ancelotti's tactical shift has benefited players like Dani Carvajal, who thrived in his role until his injury. Nonetheless, it has left players such as Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez exposed to opposing wingers. In their upcoming clash in Catalonia, Real Madrid's full-backs will face the daunting task of containing Girona's Viktor Tsygankov and Savio Moreira.
As the football world eagerly anticipates the showdown at Estadi Montilivi, Ancelotti's acknowledgment of Girona's potential to challenge for the La Liga title has added an intriguing layer of excitement to the encounter.
The battle for supremacy in Spain's top-flight is heating up, and Girona's rise to prominence could be one of the season's defining narratives.

Girona's La Liga title aspirations: Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti takes notice

Manchester United have announced Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for an "extended period" after aggravating the foot injury he suffered towards the end of last season.

Manchester United have announced Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for an "extended period" after aggravating the foot injury he suffered towards the end of last season.
The Argentina defender sustained a fractured metatarsal in April's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla, keeping him out for around two months.
Martinez is now looking at a similar timescale after United confirmed he had suffered a setback.
The club said: "Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April.
"The Argentinian defender experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month.
"Martinez bravely continued playing for the following two games against Brighton and Bayern Munich.
"But it has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps."
United have a number of injury issues to deal with and have confirmed Sergio Reguilon will be among those absent against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The club said: "Sergio Reguilon will also be absent from this Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace with a minor injury."

Manchester United suffer Lisandro Martinez injury blow

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a selection headache ahead of the Bournemouth game as he could be missing up to eight first-team players.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a selection headache ahead of the Bournemouth game as he could be missing up to eight first-team players.
England pair Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice picked up injuries in the north London derby draw with Tottenham last weekend and since then both William Saliba and Fabio Vieira have suffered setbacks.
Those issues only add to Arteta's concerns, with forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard missing the derby and Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey having been sidelined for some time.
Saka reportedly has a good chance of being involved at the Vitality Stadium but Arteta could have a number of selection headaches.
"They are all in the same pool," he said of the right players who are doubtful.
"We have a few. We have to see and adapt to the situation because that's a big number.
"Are they fit enough? Have they done enough to be able to be selected tomorrow and that's the question mark.
"My hope is that everybody is fit and available, because we need them with the amount of games that we have already under the belt in the last two weeks and what is coming in the next seven to 10 days. We need them, so hopefully today we get some good news."
If Arsenal's line-up on the south coast has an unfamiliar look to it, Arteta need only glance at the home dugout for someone he recognises well.
Bournemouth appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach in the summer, the 41-year-old having played in the same childhood team as Arteta as they grew up together in the Basque Country.
"We know each other really well. We played together, we had fantastic times together. We played together in Antiguoko, which is a team in San Sebastian that has produced a lot of players over the years," said Arteta.
"That's the beauty of football that 30 years later we are here together in the Premier League as managers. I'm really happy for that.
"He was better technically than everybody else. He used to play as a winger coming inside when he was younger. As he got older in his career, he played as a full-back.
"He would be an incredible inverted full-back today. It would be a dream for any manager to have a player like him. Really intelligent, really skilful."
Asked if he had been in touch with Iraola since he joined the Cherries, Arteta added: "Yes, I did. He was really excited to come.
"He was really complimentary about the club and the support he was getting with players and staff. He was happy to be part of the league."

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal could miss eight players against Bournemouth

An investigation into allegations made against Barcelona has led to a search of the headquarters of the Spanish football federation's technical committee of referees.

An investigation into allegations made against Barcelona has led to a search of the headquarters of the Spanish football federation's technical committee of referees.
In March, Spanish prosecutors filed a complaint and UEFA announced it was opening an investigation into Barca after it was reported the club had made payments to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain's referees committee, between 2001 and 2018.
A statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Thursday evening said: "Today, the Civil Guard has carried out a documentary search at the headquarters of the technical committee of referees of the RFEF in the framework of the investigation of the 'Negreira Case', events that have to do with the federative administration of two stages prior to the current management.
"All RFEF personnel have collaborated at all times with the request for information from the state security forces and bodies.
"The RFEF remains at the disposal of justice for the sole purpose of clarifying the facts under investigation as soon as possible."
UEFA said in March that ethics and disciplinary investigators had been appointed to look into "a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework" by Barcelona in relation to the case.
In July its appeals body confirmed the LaLiga outfit had been granted provisional access to the 2023-24 Champions League but acknowledged: "A future decision on admission/exclusion from the UEFA club competitions is reserved."
It added: "The investigators in charge of the case are invited to continue and finalise their investigation and to send a further report to the appeals body if and when they consider that the admission/exclusion of FC Barcelona should be assessed."
Barcelona deny any wrongdoing in the case.

Barcelona investigation: Police search headquarters of Spanish referees

Jurgen Klopp praised the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai after he came off the bench to fire Liverpool into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Jurgen Klopp praised the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield after the summer signing came off the bench to fire Liverpool into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool had to come from behind to beat Championship leaders Leicester 3-1 after Kasey McAteer silenced Anfield just three minutes in.
But after Cody Gakpo equalised early in the second half, Szoboszlai struck an unstoppable shot in the 70th minute, moments after coming on, with Diogo Jota wrapping it up with a late goal of his own.
Szoboszlai's rocket from the edge of the D was his second goal since his £60million summer switch from RB Leipzig and another marker into the impressive start the Hungarian has made on Merseyside.
"I don't have to tell him to shoot, he knows that better than me," Klopp said.
"He has a pretty good skill. The next (shot) he had which was slightly over was another grenade as well. It was a super goal."
The ease with which Szoboszlai has made himself at home at Anfield has been key to the strong start Liverpool, second in the Premier League, have made in all competitions as they look to have solved many of the midfield problems that dogged them last season.
Asked if Szoboszlai had settled quicker than expected, Klopp said: "It's so long ago that he's here that I've forgotten what I thought but since the first minute of training it was pretty impressive.
"That's how it is. He's a top bloke, a top guy and it's easy to step into the team and the dressing room and stuff like this.
"He's a very naturally confident boy and that helps but it's super hard work as well and that's what you see today."
The night started badly for Liverpool when Konstantinos Tsimikas' early free-kick was cleared and the Greece defender was then left on the deck by Marc Albrighton as Leicester raced away to score.
But Klopp said what stood out to him was the way his players responded.
"The headline is that we are 1-0 down but it was a completely different goal – I'm not sure if it was a foul or not but we could have defended a bit better in that first moment, and then it's a good pass and a good finish.
"Then it is all about the reaction. Our players responded well. We created massive chances that were difficult to miss, but we did, and the goalkeeper saved some and we hit the crossbar.
"How (we didn't score) I have no clue but at half-time it was clear we were going to make sure we didn't get frustrated. We were not really chasing the game but playing the game and that's what the boys did. It was a top performance."
It was only a second defeat of the season for Leicester as they chase an instant return to the top flight and Enzo Maresca said the performance was more important than the result.
"I'm very, very proud of the players because to come to this stadium against this opponent and to continue playing in the way we want to play I think they showed they were very brave," he said.
"Even after 45 minutes when we were 1-0 up I was not focused on the result, it's always important of course, but I told them before the game the focus for us is to go there and continue to play in the way we want."

Jurgen Klopp praises Dominik Szoboszlai's impact in Liverpool triumph

Dominik Szoboszlai's superb strike helped Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as they came from behind to beat Championship side Leicester 3-1.

Dominik Szoboszlai's superb strike helped Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as they came from behind to beat Championship side Leicester 3-1.
The hosts were stunned when Kasey McAteer fired the Foxes in front in only the third minute.
But sustained pressure from Jurgen Klopp's side eventually told as Cody Gakpo levelled before Szoboszlai came off the bench to put them in front with an unstoppable shot in the 70th minute.
Diogo Jota added a third in the 89th minute and it was no less than Liverpool, winners of this competition a record nine times, deserved after they poured forward in response to the early setback, having 27 attempts at goal in all.
McAteer's early goal remained Leicester's only shot on target by the final whistle.
Jurgen Klopp had made 10 changes to the side that beat West Ham 3-1 at the weekend to maintain their impressive start to the Premier League campaign but Enzo Maresca, whose side are top of the Championship as they eye an instant return to the top flight, matched him with just as many.
And the in-form visitors silenced the windswept Anfield crowd as a Liverpool free-kick turned into a Leicester goal.
Kostas Tsimikas' delivery was punched clear and the Greece defender was left in a heap by Marc Albrighton as Yunus Akgun raced clear before slipping the perfect ball into the path of 21-year-old academy product McAteer, who had time to pick a spot for his fifth goal of the season.
A Liverpool response was guaranteed, but Wataru Endo, making his third start since joining from Stuttgart, fired a shot narrowly wide before Harry Souttar blocked Gakpo's shot after neat passing cut open Leicester's defence.
The following corner was worked short to find Jota at the far post but the Portuguese forward fell over the ball before Jakub Stolarczyk blocked Ben Doak's shot as the 17-year-old picked up the pieces.
Doak then went even closer from the next corner, hitting the crossbar on the rebound as Stolarczyk could only parry a shot from Liverpool's 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah.
Gakpo thought he had equalised in the 22nd minute as he headed Tsimikas' free-kick goalwards but Conor Coady – belatedly making his Leicester debut at his boyhood club following injury – scrambled it off the line.
A mistake from Ricardo Pereira led to Liverpool's next opportunity as helost control inside the area and Harvey Elliott played in Gakpo, but his shot was deflected over.
Liverpool trailed at the break despite having 15 shots to Leicester's two, but needed only three minutes of the second half to level.
Ryan Gravenberch, making his first Anfield start, fizzed in a pass to Gakpo, who stuck out a leg to control with his back to goal before twisting to find the bottom corner of the net.
Liverpool were firmly on top now and Gakpo should have had a second just before the hour, getting a glancing header on Elliott's cross but watching it hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce down on to the line before Leicester cleared.
Both managers turned to their benches to strengthen, with Maresca sending on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Patson Daka, while Klopp called on Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez.
Klopp was the manager to see his moves pay off as within five minutes of coming on, Szoboszlai unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top left-hand corner from the edge of the D.
Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure, and Jota sealed it in the 89th minute as he flicked Quansah's low cross in off the inside of the post.