ROYAL Eagles were handed their second consecutive defeat in the National First Division, but the big spenders are not worried about the poor start to the campaign.

The Durban club were pipped 1-0 by Vasco da Gama at Parow Park in Cape Town, thanks to Samuel Julies's strike.

Eagles lost their opener against Baroka FC at home a fortnight ago by the same soreline.

The result meant Tony de Nobrega's Vasco are now in the driver's seat on the log with six points, while Duncan Lechesa's Eagles are languishing at the foot of the table without a point.

Eagles have signed a number of players they are hoping will add a new dimension to the team.

Last week they confirmed the arrival of former Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces attacking midfielder Thulasizwe Mbuyane.

They have also snapped up Walter Maponyane, Seun Ledwaba, Kabelo Mahlasela, Kyle Davids, Setjhaba Mmuso, Thabo Mokgothi and Zama Dlamini.

Eagles general manager Richard Makhoba said they were not disappointed with the setbacks.

"We have just started and we have assembled a quality squad that will gel this season," said Makhoba yesterday.

"Look, our new players did not feature on Sunday because some of them only joined us two days before the match.

"We are all excited that we will be solid in our next match."

Makhoba also expressed confidence in Lechesa, saying "look what he did with Polokwane [City]..."

Vasco director Carlos das Neves said though they were pleased with their start, they were not getting carried away.

"We can't afford to do that in this tough and tricky division. We will need to be cautious throughout," said Das Neves yesterday.

Other results: GaRankuwa United 2, Highlands Park 0; Santos 3, Maluti 2; African Warriors 1, FC Cape Town 1; Baroka 0, Thanda Royal Zulu 0; Golden Arrows 0, Milano United 0; Witbank Spurs 2, Cape Town All Stars 0; and Jomo Cosmos 1, Black Leopards 1.