SIYANDA Xulu had to settle for a place on the bench as his FC Rostov side lost 3-1 to CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super Cup at the weekend.

Rostov finished the game with nine men after two red cards in as many minutes midway through the second half with the game finely poised at 1-1.

It would prove the difference as league champions CSKA vanquished cup winners Rostov.

It was a dismal weekend for four South African players in Belgian even though two missed their team's season-opening matches with injuries.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Andile Jali started for KV Oostende as they lost 2-0 away at Lierse.

Goalkeeper Darren Keet was in the starting line-up for Kortrijk as they too lost 2-0, this time away at Zulte-Waregem.

Keet is working under a new coach this season following the appointment of Yves Vanderhaeghe to replace Hein Vanhaezebrouck.

Anele Ngcongca was missing through injury as his Genk side were 3-1 losers at Mechelen, while Ayanda Patosi also missed Lokeren's 1-0 defeat at newly promoted Westerlo after recent knee surgery.

May Mahlangu's Goteborg possibly had a hangover from their Europa League exploits in midweek as they were beaten 3-0 by Mjallby. Ayanda Nkili and Sive Phekezela were not in the match day squads for Orebro and Gefle, respectively.

Meanwhile, there will be a couple of South Africans involved in Europa League action on Thursday when the first leg of the third qualifying round takes place.

Mahlangu and Goteborg host Portuguese side Rio Ave. Lebogang Phiri and his Brondby side face a difficult tie with Club Brugge of Belgium and are away in the first leg. Both teams are playing their first games in the tournament this year.