Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Vladimir Vermezovic on Tuesday slammed the format of the competition in which the fans vote for their preferred players to take part in their team’s side.
The Amakhosi will meet Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label one-day tournament to be played on Saturday at FNB Stadium.
“I must be honest, I don’t like this format of the game,” said Vermezovic.
“I don’t know if I’m PR or coach because I’m definitely not the coach of this game.”
Vermezovic said he would prepare his players but it was not used to a pre-season tournament of this nature.
“It’s like training and we accept that but it’s not usual to have a game like this before the season starts,” he said.
“It’s something new but it’s not my job to think about that. My job is to prepare my players for everything and that’s all I can do.”
‘Not my decision’
Vermezovic admitted he was also confused about some of the positions his charges had been elected to play.
“[Tlou] Molekwane [who plays right-back] is left back? For me it’s not serious.
“I don’t know the format of this game. I know the first 11 and after that how we’re going to make changes, I don’t know.
“It’s not my decision to play this game.”
The fans only have a few more days to give their input before the official starting elevens are announcement on television on Thursday evening for the inaugural Carling Black Label Cup.
Watching from the top
Bafana Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala had not yet been “selected” for Chiefs’ team.
“[Siphiwe] Tshabalala is idolised by the children but because you have to buy beer to choose the team they can’t vote for him,” said a disappointed Vermezovic.
“I want to be like our rugby colleagues who watch the game from the top and see what that’s like.”
There were three new faces training with Chiefs as well as Knowledge Musona, who had recently returned from trials with German club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
“We have three players here for training from Ghana. They are two central defenders and a striker,” said Vermezovic.
Sealing the deal
Musona seemed certain for a move to Germany after a positive trial with the club.
“I went for three or four days and I think everything went well,” said the Zimbabwean-born Musona.
“I’m just waiting for everything to be finalised.
“They spoke to me when I was there and told me they were looking forward to having me there, but I didn’t sign anything.
“So, I’ll just have to wait and see if they finish the deal.” — Sapa