KAIZER Chiefs's poise will be tested when they meet the Iranian national squad in a friendly at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein tomorrow at 4pm.

KAIZER Chiefs's poise will be tested when they meet the Iranian national squad in a friendly at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein tomorrow at 4pm.

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung admitted that they face a Herculean task in Bloemfontein.

"It is not going to be easy but it is good for us to play with strong opponents to prepare for the new season," he said. "We want to build a very powerful team and playing such matches in the off-season is important for us. It is also an honour for us to play against the national team of Iran.

"The match will afford our coach, Vladimir Vermezovic another chance to assess the players after the Eastern Cape Premier's Cup last Saturday."

Amakhosi won that tournament when they beat SuperSport United 2-1 and this has built up their confidence.

Chiefs are also eager to beat the Iranians to motivate the players ahead of the Vodacom Challenge match against Manchester City in Durban on July 21.

Vermezovic said he was going to give some players who did not feature in last weekend's tournament a run tomorrow.

In the absence of first-choice goalie Itumeleng Khune, new recruit Kabelo Metsimetsi, who played superbly against United, should be given a run.

Vermezovic is giving Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala a rest after their hectic Confederations Cup schedule. - khotham@sowetan.co.za