Muhsin Ertugral will have a first look at his new squad on Sunday when Kaizer Chiefs will participate at the inaugural Mpumulanga Premier’s International Football Cup. The Amakhosi will play the opening match of the tournament against Mbabane Highlanders at 9am at the Atlantic Stadium, Witbank.

“We started training on Monday,” Ertugral comments, “the tournament is therefore not so much about winning. It’s more about giving every player a chance to show what he can do.” The Chiefs coach also stresses that “our eight internationals are having a well-deserved break at the moment and will still be missing on Sunday - Valery Nahayo, Jose Torealba, Tinashe Nengomashe, Onismor Bhasera, Itumeleng Khune, Gerald Sibeko, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Mokete Tsotetsi”.

However, that will give some youngsters a chance to play. Chiefs beat their development team 4-0, with Tsepo Bulu and Mabhuti Khenyeza being amongst the goalscorers, on Wednesday. “Especially Michael Nkambule and Gert Schalkwyk had a good game,” Ertugral continues, adding that “Gert will get his chance during pre-season to prove his value to the team. He is working tremendously hard and he has lost a lot of weight.”

Some of Amakhosi’s new signings, like Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Gordon Gilbert and Thabang Rooi will probably also get some game time, while just-married Emille Baron will mind the posts in the absence of Khune.

If Chiefs manage to win the Highlanders encounter, they will play the final at 3.45pm against either Mpumalanga Black Aces or Mozambican side Desportivo Maputo, who will play each other at 11am.

Schedule Mpumalanga Premier’s International Football Cup, Sunday 29, June 2008 at Atlantic Stadium, Witbank:

09:00 - Kaizer Chiefs vs. Mbabane Highanders


11:00 - Mpumalanga Black Aces vs. Grupo Desportivo de Maputo


15:15 - Final


Gates open at 07:30 and tickets are available at Computicket @ R10-00 for Adults and R5-00 for children.