Chiefs' coach impressed by youngsters

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 10, 2010 00:00

 

He was speaking after his side beat rivals Orlando Pirates 4-3 on penalties in the final before 87,001 spectators.'It is always good to beat Pirates though it was on penalties. For me, the most important thing is that I played all my players especially the youngsters. They experienced a lot of things in one day and that will come handy during the season,' said the Serbian coach. Lucky Khune, Abram Jacobs, Mpho Sitayitayi are some of the youngsters who were given a run against Pirates in the final. Khune opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Lucky Lekgwathi levelled in the 55th minute. With Amakhosi quiet in the transfer market, the youngsters might keep their fingers crossed that they will be given a chance to shine. Asked why he has not been able to sign players, Vermezovic said: 'Go and ask the football manager Bobby Motaung because I don't sign players'.

Vermezovic admitted that the absence of Zimbabwean anchor, Tinashe Nengomashe was felt. Nengomashe who spent more than five seasons at Chiefs, has moved to Qatar. In his absence, Steven Ncanana was given a chance to fill the position and was at times found wanting. 'It is true that we had problems in the midfield but it is understandable because he (Ncanana) has just joined from the lower divisions. In the First Division, they are used to playing man to man. I spoke to Gerald (Sibeko) at halftime because of his experience so that he ensures that he (Ncanana) sticks to his position' he explained. Another new recruit Siyabulela Songwiqi had a disappointing game and was withdrawn in the second half.

Orlando Pirates coach, Ruud Krol said that it was always going to be difficult to play two matches in a day with the injuries he has in his squad. Pirates were without experienced campaigners, Benson Mhlongo and Lucas Thwala who are sidelined by injuries. Key midfielder Teko Modise was rested after taking part in the World Cup. 'It was a chance to see new players ahead of the new season. Having so many players is stressful and I prefer to have 22 players and five youngsters because the number is manageable,' he said. At the moment, Pirates have more than 40 players, something which makes life difficult for the under-fire tactician. On the day, Pirates had a lot of trialists but it was Nigerian striker Ezenwa Otorugu who impressed. Krol has already recommended that he should be signed.