City want to end on a high
City want to end on a high
Posted: 2009-07-24 16:48
Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester City go head-to-head in the Final of the 2009 Vodacom Challenge on Saturday and each is determined to claim the coveted trophy.
Amakhosi booked their place in the Final with a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Orlando Pirates in Port Elizabeth on Thursday night, and will be looking to make up for the disappointment of their 2008 defeat to Manchester United in the Challenge decider.
“It is a great honour for us to be playing Manchester City twice in a week and we are determined to go out and enjoy the occasion,” Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic says.
Meanwhile, there is mixed news for South African fans hoping to see Manchester City’s galaxy of stars. Coach Mark Hughes confirmed that Argentine forward Carlos Tevez would not be available with his ongoing heel problem, but Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor and Brazilian Robinho should play some role in the game.
“We have had a fantastic time in South Africa but we want to finish our visit on a high note and take the trophy back home with us,” Hughes says. “Saturday’s game will be a big test. I watched the Derby last night [Thursday] and it was a game played between two good teams, both of who are worthy opponents for us. Our aim is to win the final and leave South Africa with very good memories.
“Emmanuel has a chance to be selected from the start, our initial concern was that we had to make sure that he was in good shape, but he had been training with his previous club [Arsenal] and has looked very good in the time he has been with us.
“Carlos won’t be involved as he will be out of training for about a week with this heel problem. It is a shame for the boy and for the South African public that he won’t play.
“Robinho has flown in and could play some part tomorrow [Saturday],” Hughes added. “He hasn’t had any training, but has played quite a bit of football lately with the Confederations Cup. He is newly married and seems in very good spirits.”
: 2009-07-25 10:13
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