SPORTS UPDATE WITH EMMAH ATAI: Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are ready to mount a sustained challenge for silverware after signing what he describes as X-factor players in recent summers. Arteta, who has been named the new Arsenal captain, believes the captures of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez can make a difference as they look to build on last seasons FA Cup triumph. Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Saturday and Arteta wants to ensure they make a good start. Luis Suarezs four-month biting ban has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but the Uruguay striker can now train with new club Barcelona. The 27 year-old will be available from the match at Real Madrid on 26 October.The Uruguay striker will also continue to serve his nine-match international ban but, having previously been banned from all football-related activity, the former Liverpool player can now train and attend matches as well as undertake promotional activities. Southampton have signed Hull City striker Shane Long for an undisclosed fee, reported to be about £12m. The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international has agreed a four-year contract at St Marys. He becomes Southamptons sixth signing of the summer and joins in time for Sundays trip to Liverpool. Southampton have already signed keeper Fraser Forster, defender Ryan Bertrand, midfielders Dusan Tadic and Saphir Taider, and striker Graziano Pelle for the new season. Man United are turning their interest to Roma centre-back Mehdi Benatia as Louis van Gaal remains determined to bring in defensive reinforcements before the Premier League kicks off on Saturday. Van Gaal wants to sign at least two out of three current defensive targets - Ajaxs Daley Blind, Sporting Lisbons Marcos Rojo and now Benatia, although Chelsea retain a tentative interest for the Roma defender. Benatia would cost around £30 million.Sources have also said Van Gaal is getting increasingly impatient about the lack of transfer activity. Although Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera arrived this summer, both of the deals were effectively finalised last season, meaning there have been no real new buys since the campaign ended. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is aiming for a top-10 Premier League finish this season. The Hammers, who start their 2014-15 campaign at home against Tottenham on Saturday, finished 13th last season. And Allardyce, who has brought in a number of new players this summer,including striker Enner Valencia, feels the Hammers can improve on that. They have also brought in defender Aaron Cresswell from Ipswich, midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate and Diego Poyet from Anderlecht and Charlton respectively and forward Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield. Full-back Carl Jenkinson has also been signed on a season-long loan from Arsenal. Sunderland have signed winger Will Buckley from Championship side Brighton on a three-year deal. The 24-year-old, who began his career at Rochdale before a spell at Watford, arrives for an undisclosed fee. QPR boss Harry Redknapp has reiterated his desire to keep Loic Remy at Loftus Road despite interest in the striker from other Premier League clubs. Remy was set to join Liverpool this summer but the move collapsed over what was reported to be a failed medical. 2015 AFCON QUALIFIERS ; Uganda Cranes coach Micho has described the September, August and November period during which his team will compete in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers as “the three months of hell”. Uganda Cranes are due to play five home and away matches in the Group E of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers against Ghana on September 6, Guinea five days later and Togo between September and November. He noted that the three months could end Uganda’s 37 years wait to return to the Africa Nations Cup. Uganda last participated in the 1978 Africa Nations Cup in Ghana where they lost to the hosts in the final 2−0. GOLF; Uganda Golf Professionals’ Captain, Deo Akope has shot 3 over par 74 gross to take a commanding lead at the 2014 Chairman’s cup (professionals’ category) at the par 71 lakeside Entebbe Golf course. FIFA RANKINGS; Uganda has risen six places as per the August FIFA rankings. The country, 87 last month is currently ranked 81st in the world and 20th in Africa.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 16:51:24 +0000