New Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic is taking his side's friendly against the Iranian national side at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein very serious.

"There is no such thing as a friendly game," said the Serbian born Vermezovic. " I take every game seriously. If I want to play games I will play with my wife and children. The game against Iran is not a friendly. It is a major part of my preparation plans for the season as is the Vodacom Challenge."

Vermezovic said he was satisfied after 'Amakhosi' won the Eastern Cape Premier Cup staged at the new Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth at the weekend. Chiefs beat relegated Bay United 2-0 and PSL champions SuperSport United 2-1 in the final.

"But," added the coach, "There were good and bad things coming from that tournament. I thought we played well overall. But I am taking it step by step. The next step is Iran."

Chiefs hope to make more history against Iran by becoming the first South Africa side to beat a national foreign side. It will be the first time that a South African club side has played a national team and a win, said Vermezovic, would be a huge boost ahead of the clash against English Premiership outfit Manchester City in the Vodacom Challenge match in Durban on July 2.

Two days later Amakhosi meet arch rivals 'Bucs' in the second Challenge game to decide who meets City in the final at Loftus on July 25.

Vermezovic confirmed that he would be resting his two Bafana Bafana stars, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and winger Siphiwe Tshabalala who are on leave after playing for their country in the Confederations Cup helping Bafana finish fourth.

"Both Khune and Tshabalala were very impressive in the Confederations Cup and will play huge role for Chiefs this season. They have worked hard for Bafana and need to rest for 14 days," said Vermezovic.

Iran, who drew 1-1with Botswana in a friendly international played in Gaborone at the weekend as part of the Persian Football Tour of South Africa have failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next June.

The southern African tour would have helped prepare Iran for the 2010 showpiece had they qualified but said assistant coach Peyrovani Gholmreza, "We are disappointed at not qualifying for 2010 but at the same time this tour was arranged six months ago and as we are rebuilding we have brought a young side to gain experience. We did not play well against Botswana as we were tired from all the travelling but we will play a lot better against Chiefs."

But Iran captain Mehedi Rahmadi added, "We are a young team and Chiefs can expect a very tough game."

Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung said the reason for taking the match to Bloemfontein was because of the passionate fans in the Free State capital.

"The Bloemfontein Celtic fans will be there in numbers alongside our own fans to support us." said Motaung. "This game will be a fantastic experience and help us get ready for the Challenge and the start of the new PSL season."

Sapa

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