Kaizer Chiefs 1 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur (Vodacom Challenge)

By: Jay | July 22nd, 2007

Keane and Berba
The one time combined player of the month winners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov picked up a goal each in South Africa, beating a well-supported Chiefs side 2 - 1. Shaun Bartlett, ex-Charlton and mate of Darren Bent, scored the goal for the opposition. In the 40th minute, Robbie Keane collected the ball in the box, and finished with ease. In the second half the Chiefs equalised quickly before Darren Bent worked hard down the left and passed to Berba for a simple finish. A good game, a good team and great atmosphere. We were also caught, wrongly, offside a few times and perhaps could have scored more. But, it’s a win in the opening game of the Vodacom Challenge; Spurs retain 100% record in pre-season. Match report can be found here, and pictures here.

On a darker note, Younes Kaboul was subbed within 5 minutes after receiving a stray boot to the face and was replaced by Gardner. Although he was subbed, it doesn’t seem too bad so don’t panic.

Spurs team: Robinson, Ifil (Daniels, 78), Rocha, Kaboul, Dawson, Routledge (Bent, 57), Zokora, Jenas, Malbranque, Berbatov (Taarabt, 83)), Keane. Subs: Cerny, Gardner, Maghoma, O’Hara.

Transfer News

With the completion of the Kevin-Prince Boateng signing still awaiting confirmation, there is a little worry that it won’t go through. In fact, rumours are that Hertha Berlin have actually REJECTED the bid from Spurs. We wait and see…

Further rumours of Martin Petrov joining the Lane are around, although I have been hearing them for a while. Perhaps pal and international team-mate D.Berbatov should send him an e-mail about how good it is in North London. I’m sure he’d like to come, although it’d be interesting to hear the views of Atletico fans about his personality.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is also in the same bracket. I think he’d like to come if the clubs can sort a deal. But I don’t think he’ll be cheap (around £10-12m+).

For people worried about players leaving Spurs, I think you can chill this season. Tottenham are in such a good position, I practically want us to stay in pre-season forever. Then I think about how bored I am and the fact my numerous Fantasty Football Teams have already been set up (I need some amusing team names!) and I change my mind. The point is we have a lot of potential. Dimitar Berbatov will not be going anywhere. Jermain Defoe will not be going anywhere. And Pascal Chimbonda will not be going anywhere. Berba will sign a new contract soon. Jermain has admitted if he wanted to leave, he’d have gone by now. Chimbo is a little less certain, but I’m gonna say he’ll stay too. If he doesn’t I’ll eat my hat. Sounds reasonable.