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chiefs now ready for the big one

20090726VNH. Josta Dladla of Kaizer Chiefs tussles the ball away from Robinho of Manchester City during the Vodacom Challenge at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.PIC.VELI NHLAPO.25/07/2009. © SOWETAN
20090726VNH. Josta Dladla of Kaizer Chiefs tussles the ball away from Robinho of Manchester City during the Vodacom Challenge at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.PIC.VELI NHLAPO.25/07/2009. © SOWETAN

KAIZER Chiefs have laid a perfect foundation to challenge for Absa Premiership honours after annexing the 10th Vodacom Challenge.

"We could not have asked for a better start to the season than beating the English soccer giants," said Chiefs defender Jeffrey Ntuka, referring to their 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Ntuka scored the only goal in the 42nd minute of Saturday's final to send Chiefs supporters, and most South Africans, into wild celebrations.

It was sweet revenge for Chiefs who were defeated 2-0 by The Citizens in the second leg of the tournament in Durban on Tuesday.

"It was about time we stopped the monopoly of English clubs in this tournament after Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United won it in the past two seasons," said Ntuka.

"We played well and deserved the victory. It feels good to have scored the all- important goal but for me the victory is all about teamwork. Our new coach (Vladimir Vermezovic) has been trying various combinations as part of the preparations for the new season, everything is well on track.

"You can see that Kaizer Chiefs mean business this season. Our aim is to make our management and supporters happy."

The former Bafana Bafana player who joined Chiefs in January from Westerlo in Belgium, stressed that he has not lost hope of playing in England. Ntuka, who has also represented the country at under-23 level, was signed by Chelsea who loaned him out to Westerlo.

The big-spending Man City paraded their R325 million striker Emmanuel Adebayor, bought last weekend from English Premiership rivals Arsenal. The Togo captain showed excellent touches but it was clear he was still lacking match fitness.

Also in City's line-up was Brazilian Robinho, who came close to equalising in the 85th minute but missed the target.

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