THE fortunes of South African youngster Lebogang Phiri at Danish side Brondby look to have come full circle after he netted his first goal of the season at the weekend.

Phiri burst onto the scene at Brondby towards the tail end of last season, playing a starring role in helping the side avoid relegation.

But the start of this campaign had been a frustrating one for him as he was sent to train with the reserves while he rediscovered his form.

Recent matches have seen him restored to the starting line-up, though, and he netted in a 3-0 victory over Aarhus that took his his side up to fourth on the table. They are nine points behind leaders Midtjylland, who they play next.

Thulani Serero started again for Ajax Amsterdam as they got back to winning ways in the Eredivisie with a 3-0 success over bottom side NEC.

Serero has asked Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund for time to cement his place in the Ajax starting line-up, but he looks to be a regular already having grown into the position vacated by Christian Eriksen, who left for Tottenham Hotspur in the last transfer window.

Kamohelo Mokotjo warmed up for what is likely to be a starting role against Spain in Bafana's friendly international next Tuesday with a 1-1 draw for PEC Zwolle against FC Twente.

Mokotjo has completed 90 minutes in 12 of PEC's 13 league games so far this season and, as reported by Sowetan last week, has been rated as the leading midfielder in the Netherlands this season.

Anele Ngcongca's hopes of regaining the Belgian league title this season took a slight knock when his Genk side lost 1-0 at home to Anderlecht.

Genk lost Senegalese defender Kara Mbodji to a red card inside nine minutes and succumbed to a late goal from Democratic Republic of Congo international Chancel Mbemba.

Genk are now two points behind leaders Standard Liege, but the loss has allowed Anderlecht back into the mix.