CHIEFS FACE BIG CHALLENGE
Kaizer Chiefs face a huge mental and physical test when they face English and European champions Manchester United in the opening Vodacom Challenge match at Newlands, Cape Town, on Saturday.
While he is looking forward to pitting his skills against what he describes as the best team in the world, Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral says a good showing in the annual tournament will set up Chiefs for a successful season in the Absa Premiership.
Ertugral has targeted the showdown against Orlando Pirates at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth next Thursday as crucial. The winner plays the English and European kings in the final at Loftus on July 26. Bucs play United at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on July 22.
Said Ertugral: ”There is no such thing as a friendly when we play Pirates in a Soweto Derby — no matter where that game is played. While we will be on a learning curve against United, we will be out to beat Pirates and set up the platform for a successful season.
”The showing against Pirates will tell me how far we have progressed. We are looking sharp and cannot wait for the tournament to get started.”
Ertugral is the first to recognise that this friendly pre-season tournament will not be so friendly.
The Turkish coach said he was satisfied after putting his charges through their paces at the Naturena training base, south of Johannesburg on Monday in preparation of meeting Alex Ferguson’s Reds.
He is excited about having Venezuela striker Jose Torreabla leading the attack. Chiefs have been beefed up with the signing of Burundi international defender Valery Nahayo and midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane from relegated Jomo Cosmos.
But the player Ertugral reckons could light up the season is teenage left wing George Lebese, who was signed from the amateur ranks recently.
Said Ertugral: Lebese, at 18, has a very bright future. I have been really impressed by what I have seen so far from this young player. He is definitely one for the future.
”We are ready and literally up for this big challenge. The spirit is high. We have a new-look side with younger players eager to show how good they are and what better way to kick-off the season than against the best. I have a big respect for what Manchester United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson have achieved. It is a fantastic honour getting the
first crack at the side that won the English Premiership and European Champions League.”
Ertugral said United would test his players’ mental and physical strength. Chiefs beat the Reds at Loftus in the final of this annual event two years ago but Ertugral knows that they face a much stronger United this time. United brought a young side to South Africa and were without all their big stars due to the 2006 World Cup finals being played in Germany.
Said the Amakhosi coach: ”We are told that apart form those players who played in the European Championships all their big names will be present.
”That is a thrilling prospect for my players. Lining up against some of the biggest players in the world.”
All United’s English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish internationals are available as none of those countries managed to qualify for Euro 2008.
That means the likes of English stars Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Scotland’s Darren Fletcher and Ireland’s John O’Shea will be here. Also expected to be included are veteran Welsh star Ryan Giggs and former England midfield powerhouse Paul Scholes. England defender and United skipper Gary Neville is expected to use the trip to get fit for the new English season after missing most of United’s triumphant season due to injury. – Sapa