Kaizer Chiefs vs Tottenham Hotspur – Saturday 16 July – Coca Cola Park (Ellis Park) (15:00)
Tottenham Hotspur - Jermain Defoe
The annual Vodacom Challenge comes to the fold this weekend as English giants Tottenham Hotspur touch down on South African soil. This competition gives fans a once in a life time experience of witnessing top European players in action.
This will be good preparation for Kazier Chiefs for the upcoming season. They finished in 3rd place last season falling short by a single point to their rivals and current Champions Orlando Pirates. Chiefs have been busy in the transfer window signing Lehlohonolo Majoro from Amazulu, Keegan Ritchie from Moroka Swallows and Tefu Mashamaite from Wits, all these players come with high expectations and should be given their debuts come the weekend. Vladimir Vermezović will have his first real test and will be out to get a positive result and give the fans a taste of what can be expected come the opening game of the season. With new players at his disposal he will be out to find the right combinations and get his squad in tip top shape to challenge for the title. Club captain Jimmy Tau recently stated how a positive pre-season is vital for their pursuit for glory. Chiefs will be out to go one step further than last campaign and be named PSL champions for a fifteenth time.
Tottenham Hotspur arrive in South Africa to prove their superiority and entertain football fans with their direct style of football. This might be a charity event, but one can be sure Tottenham will be out to win this competition. They come into this Vodacom Challenge with preparation a key figure for their season ahead. The players have been well rested and are ready for hard work. The transfer saga of Croatian creative midfielder Luka Modrić continues however he is expected to feature with team on their travels. Manager Harry Redknapp will be expecting a top four finish this season as they missed that all important Uefa Champions League spot as they where edged out by rivals and neighbors Arsenal. With the transfer window still opened Harry Redknapp will still be able delve into the market and sort players that will benefit the squad in terms of a title pursuit. The Likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and our very own Bongani Khumalo and Steven Pienaar will all be on show.
This might be a charity affair but both teams will be out to get the victory. Tottenham should have the upper hand in this encounter.
