While he is looking forward to pitting his skills against what he

describes as the best team in the world, Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral

says a good showing in the annual Challenge will set up Chiefs for a

successful season in the Absa Premiership.

Ertugral has targeted the showdown against Orlando Pirates at the

EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth next Thursday July 24 as crucial. The

winner plays the English and European kings in the Challenge final at

Loftus on July 26. Bucs play United at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban

on July 22.

Said Ertugral: "There is no such thing as a friendly when we play

Pirates in a Soweto Derby - no matter where that game is played. While

we will be on a learning curve against United, we will be out to beat

Pirates and set up the platform for a successful season.

"The showing against Pirates will tell me how far we have

progressed. We are looking sharp and cannot wait for the tournament to

start."

Ertugral is the first to recognise that this friendly pre-season

tournament will not be quite so friendly.

The Turkish coach said he was satisfied after putting his charges

through their paces at the Naturena training base, south of

Johannesburg on Monday in preparation of meeting Sir Alex Ferguson's

Reds this weekend.

He is excited about having Venezuela striker Jose Torreabla leading

the attack. Chiefs have been beefed up with the signing of Burundi

international defender Valery Nahayo and midfielder Reneilwe

Letsholonyane from relegated Jomo Cosmos.

But the player Ertugral reckons could light up Chiefs season is

teenage left wing George Lebese who was signed from the amateur ranks

recently.

Said Ertugral: "Lebese at 18 has a very bright future. I have been

really impressed by what I have seen so far from this young player. He

is definitely one for the future.

"We are ready and literally up for this big challenge. The spirit is

high. We have a new-look side with younger players eager to show how

good they are and what better way to kick-off the season than against

the best. I have a big respect for what Manchester United and manager

Sir Alex Ferguson have achieved. It is a fantastic honour getting the

first crack at the side that won the English Premiership and European

Champions League."

Ertugral added United would test his players mental and physical

strength.

Chiefs famously beat the Mighty Reds at Loftus in the final

of this annual event two years ago but Ertugral knows that they face a

much stronger United this time.

United brought a young experimental

side to South Africa and were without all their big stars due to the

2006 World Cup finals being played in Germany.

Said the Amakhosi coach: "We are told that apart form those players

who played in the European Championships all their big names will be

present.

"That is a thrilling prospect for my players. Lining up against some

of the biggest players in the world."

All United's English, Scottish,

Welsh and Irish internationals are available as none of those countries

managed to qualify for Euro 2008.

That means the likes of English stars Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Rio

Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Scotland's Darren Fletcher

and Ireland's John O'Shea will be here. Also expected to be included

are veteran Welsh star Ryan Giggs and former England midfield

powerhouse Paul Scholes.

England defender and United skipper Gary

Neville is expected to use this trip to get fit for the new English

season after missing most of United's triumphant season due to injury.

United scored a comfortable 2-0 win over Ferguson's old club

Aberdeen at Pittordie at the weekend in a warm-up game ahead of the

forthcoming Challenge.