Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs and new striker Gert Schalkwyk are determined to help 'Bucs' win the annual Vodacom Challenge — but for different reasons.

The new-leaner looking Josephs is hoping to recapture his place in the Bafana Bafana set up and help 'Bucs' win the Absa Premiership, while former Kaizer Chiefs striker Schalkwyk, is hoping to set the scene alight by scoring goals and win the hearts of 'Bucs' fans.

Bucs, who will be minus their four Bafana Bafana stars, striker Katlego Mashego, midfield playmaker Teko Modise, midfield hardman Benson Mhlongo and left back Innocent Mdledle, tackle big spending Manchester City in the opening Challenge clash at Polokwane´s Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.

City manager Mark Hughes, has named his best squad to travel to South Africa and compete in the Challenge.

Josephs is fired up to do well in both opening matches — the second the Soweto Derby against arch rivals Chiefs in Port Elizabeth next Thursday which will decide City's opponents in the final at Loftus on July 25.

Said Josephs: "I am excited and inspired by the prospect of facing the likes of City´s two new world class strikers, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.

The fact both are in the squad is exciting and shows how serious City are taking the Challenge."

Josephs said he had no hard feelings after he was dropped from the Bafana squad for the Confederations Cup just before the start of the tournament and was full of praise for 'Amakhosi' 'keeper, Itumeleng Khune, who played in goal in the five Confederations Cup games helping Bafana finish fourth.

"I knew one of the four keepers in the provisional squad had to go and it was me. I accept being dropped is part of the game and will make me worked harder.

"Itumeleng was brilliant in the Confederations Cup and has raised the bar significantly for other 'keepers to challenge him."

But Josephs is determined to use the Challenge to stake his claim and catch Bafana head coach Joel Santana's eye for the forthcoming friendly matches this year.

Josephs will see plenty of action against City from Tevez, Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy, Benjani Mwaruwari, Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips, just to name a few of the star international players Hughes is bringing to South Africa.

Schalkwyk joined Bucs after a successful six month loan to Bloemfontein Celtic where he helped them avoid relegation. Schalkwyk sees the Challenge as a chance to establish himself now that Mashego is being rested.

"I was thrilled when Pirates came for me. I have always wanted to play for them and If I get the chance against City, I aim to grab it.

"I have been training hard and is determined to fight for my place. I hope to help Pirates win trophies starting with the Challenge. "The dream for me would be to score for Pirates on debut."

'Bucs' coach Ruud Krol, said he was happy with the players' level of fitness.

"I gave the players five weeks off. They have returned refreshed and look sharp as this stage of the pre-season."

Krol said he would blood his other new players, Ndumiso Mabena, another striker signed from Winners Park, and midfielder Andile Jali, signed from another First Division outfit Pretoria University in the off-season.

Krol also said he would add to his squad if quality players became available, such as SuperSport United winger.

"We have until August 31 to release and sign players. If a player like Klate was available, I would be interested in signing him.

"But in the meantime my focus is on the players who will feature against City and next Thursday against Chiefs."

Sapa

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