New Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic, has set his sights on the ultimate win in SA soccer — victory over Orlando Pirates in the Vodacom Challenge Soweto Derby at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on July 23.

A win will not only guarantee his team a place in the 10th anniversary grand finale of the club tournament against Manchester City, but will also see him get his SA coaching career off to a great start with the passionate Kaizer Chiefs supporters.

"Friendly games don't get played anymore, and in this era of professional soccer, every game is a must-win," said Vermezovic, who is from Serbia.

"Playing against one of the world's richest clubs in Durban on, July 21 will be a tremendous honour for me as well as my players, but at the end of the day, Orlando Pirates, in sporting terms, is our age old rival and it is a result that must come our way.

"The Challenge matches will also outline the way in which the players respond to my style of soccer strategies and I am really looking forward to the tournament."

Amakhosi winger Josta Dladla, added: "The new coach definitely appears to be the type of mentor that we, as players, can work with.

"SA soccer doesn't come any bigger than a Soweto Derby match and facing a world-class club like Manchester City is a huge bonus for us.

"Brazilian striker Robinho is extremely skilful and he is one of many fine players that I am looking forward to taking on."

Like Dladla, attacking midfielder Abia Nale, who joined Kaizer Chiefs from Golden Arrows in January, will be on his debut in the Challenge.

"This tournament presents a great platform for local players to showcase their skills on an international level and I am looking forward to taking on Manchester City, and of course, the big Derby against Orlando Pirates," said Nale.

Kaizer Motaung JR, who joined Jose Torrealba on the score-sheet during the Amakhosi's 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in Port Elizabeth last year, will be hoping Derby history repeats itself.

"We are a Club that thrives on winning titles and having won the Vodacom Challenge on four previous occasions, we will be out to win the trophy in the 10th anniversary of the tournament."

The Limpopo capital of Polokwane will play host to the opening match between Orlando Pirates and Manchester City, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on July 18 (3pm kick-off), before Kaizer Chiefs take on the visiting club at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on July 21 (8.15pm kick-off).

The winner of the Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on July 23 in Port Elizabeth, will take on Manchester City in the showpiece final at Loftus Versfeld July 25 (3pm kick-off). Tickets are on sale at Computicket, Shoprite Checkers and Checkers-Hyper outlets nationwide.

For the opening leg of the tournament in Polokwane, tickets are on sale at R100 per ticket (main grandstand, unreserved seating) and R45 per ticket (open seating and unreserved).

The Absa Stadium in Durban has been the scene of many thrilling Vodacom Challenge encounters over the years, and tickets for the encounter between Chiefs and Manchester City, are on sale at R150 per ticket (main grandstand, reserved), R100 per ticket (north and south stands reserved), R75 per ticket (east stand lower, reserved) and R45 pert ticket (east stand upper, unreserved).

Tickets for the Derby in Port Elizabeth are much sought after at R45 each.

Match tickets for the final can be purchased at a cost of R150 each (main grandstand, reserved), R100 (north and south stands, reserved), R75 each (east lower stand, reserved) and R45 each (east upper stand unreserved).

Sapa

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