Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic has stressed that he would field his strongest team against Pirates in the second Telkom Charity Cup semifinal at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday.

The former Partizan Belgrade defender and coach was introduced last week to the intense rivalry between the two clubs and realises how important it is to win a Soweto Derby.

The Serbian born Vermezovic, came through his baptism of a Soweto Derby during last Thursday's Vodacom Challenge where 'Amakhosi' defeated 'Bucs' on a sudden death penalty shootout in their "semifinal" played in Port Elizabeth.

Said Vermezovic after putting his players through their paces at Naturena on Thursday: "The first thing I learnt was there is no such thing as a friendly match between Chiefs and Pirates.

"The fact that my midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, broke his leg in that game and is out for eight weeks, proves my point."

Chiefs went on to beat big spending Manchester City 2-0 in the Challenge final at Loftus last Saturday.

But he will be taking no chance against Pirates and stressed there would be no charity either.

"We want to play in the final. We are ready despite a couple of worrying injuries and I will start with what is my strongest side and if we make the final, which I hope we do, then I will decide the plan for the final.

"It is tough playing two full games in one afternoon. There is not much time for the winner to rest after the games as the final kicks off at 5pm, but will be ready as we played in a similar tournament (Premier's Cup in PE) in an earlier pre-season tournament, so I have an idea of what to expect."

He stressed he would use a rotation policy this season as he has 27 players who will all get a chance with the rotation policy.

'Bucs' coach Ruud Krol, played down the importance of the game, saying he was more concerned to get his side prepared for next Wednesday night's MTN8 quarter-final clash against Ajax Cape Town at Ellis Park.

But Krol will also be rolling out his big guns in the form of his four Bafana Bafana stars, midfielders Teko Modise, Benson Mhlongo, striker Katlego Mashego and defender Innocent Mdledle.

They started pre-season training later than the rest of the squad due to the fact they helped Bafana finish fourth in the Confederation Cup last month.

Krol also has the option of throwing in his two new strikers in the form of former Chiefs star Gert Schalkwyk and Dennis Masina, who he signed from SuperSport United for their debuts.

Pirates players are still smarting form that defeat in PE and will be out to make amends.

Losing twice to Chiefs before the start of the season will not go down well with 'Bucs' faithful fans and Saturday's clash is expected to be full of fireworks and the highlight of the Charity Cup.

Vermezovic is concerned about his Bafana midfield star, Siphiwe Tshabalala, who is a non starter with an ankle injury, and defender Wayne Matle.

Said the Chiefs coach: "I will be meeting with the team doctors today and find out when both players will be able to start training."

Meanwhile new midfielder Mthokozisi Yende, signed in the off-season from First Division outfit Pretoria University, is doubtful after being laid low this week with flu.

Former Bafana striker Nkosinathi 'Chippa' Nhleko did not train with the squad on Thursday with a slight knee injury, but he should be fine by Saturday.

Vermezovic said playing Pirates twice in 10 days was a big test for his players and added: "It is only by playing really good opposition such as Pirates and Manchester City that we are able to get properly prepared for our opening MTN8 match against BidVest Wits on Tuesday (at Orlando Stadium at 7.30pm).

"I reckon the Charity Cup is ideal preparation for us."

In the other semifinal Mamelodi Sundowns meet Platinum Stars at 10am. Downs new coach Hristo Stoichkov, did not attend his side's training session on Thursday as he was still trying to sort out his work permit.

It will be a big test for the former Barcelona star who comes up against Stars' new coach Steve Komphela.

Sapa

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook