Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp feels South Africa tour has been ‘fantastic preparation’ for new season

Spurs will meet the Orlando Pirates on Saturday in the final of the Vodacom Challenge and Redknapp predicts a tough match against the PSL champions.

“I’ve been very impressed with the standard of football I’ve seen here so far and we’re looking forward to another exciting, skilful game of football in the final,” he said.

“The games have been played in a good spirit and I’m sure Saturday’s game will be exactly the same with good skill on show. It will be another showcase for football in South Africa.

“It’s been fantastic preparation for us in South Africa and we’ve had two very tough games,
I thought the football the Pirates played on Tuesday was of the highest level and they certainly made us work hard to stay in the game.”

Johannesburg’s Ellis Park will play host to what may prove to be a challenging match for Tottenham and fans will be hoping to see Steven Pienaar, who Redknapp admitted was hopeful of starting the game after injury.

“I’m hoping Steven will be fit to start,” he added.

“I’d like him to play here, it’s home for him and we’re looking to give him a start. He’s had an injury, but we’re hoping to get at least 45 minutes out of him.”