Manuel Pellegrini to start City career in South Africa

Manchester: Manchester City say Manuel Pellegrini's first game in charge as coach will be against South African side Supersport United next month, as part of the Premier League club's preseason tour of South Africa.

Pellegrini was appointed earlier this month as a replacement for the sacked Roberto Mancini. City will take on Supersport in Pretoria on July 14 and will also face AmaZulu FC on July 18 in Durban.

Pellegrini, who has signed a three-year deal, previously coached Villarreal and most recently Malaga in the Spanish league.

He also coached Real Madrid in 2009-2010 but was fired after one season despite guiding the team to its then-record points total in La Liga.