Chiefs ready to blood Bukenya

KAIZER Chiefs' new recruit, Ugandan international defender Ivan Bukenya, is ready to play competitive football in South Africa.

Amakhosi received his international clearance from Iraq on Friday where he played for Erbil SC.

Bukenya made an immediate impression on the Chiefs technical team who promptly gave him a two-year contract.

Some members of the team waxed lyrical about the Ugandan's passing skills, his confidence in the tackle and his strength.

Chances are that he will make his first official appearance for his new club when Chiefs take on Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout semifinals at FNB Stadium on November 23.

Bukenya is expected to travel with the team to Botswana where Amakhosi will face Mochudi Chiefs at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday. Chiefs will use the match to give a chance to some of the players who have not had much game time this season.

Chiefs' Bobby Motaung said it was the "perfect opportunity for several youngsters to prove their worth", and for some senior players who had not had a chance to play because of injuries.

Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane will assess the fitness levels of most of his key stars when Mamelodi Sundowns face University of Pretoria in a friendly match at Tuks Stadium on Saturday.

Attacking winger Elias Pelembe, who has been moaning about a lack of game time, is one of the top names that will come under the microscope at this match.

Teko Modise has also not reached acceptable fitness level. Mosimane was happy to see Thami Sangweni back at training after a long injury lay-off.