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Spurs win Vodacom Challenge

Johannesburg - Rafael van der Vaart scored in each half for Tottenham Hotspur as they beat a below par Orlando Pirates 3-0 to walk away with the Vodacom Challenge trophy in the competition's final played at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday.

The last time Spurs were in the country in 2007, they outclassed Pirates 4-0 in the final.

Again, the hosts proved to be mediocre in a huge contrast to their midweek matches against the same Spurs and Kaizer Chiefs, a sign that they may have been fatigued with playing three games in a space of five days.

Van der Vaart opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a replica set piece to the one he had scored against the same Senzo Meyiwa in the Pirates goal on Tuesday as he placed the ball inch perfectly over the wall and at the bottom of the right hand corner post.

The Dutch forward found his second after 53 minutes, and with the Pirates defence hopeful of an offside flag, lobbed over the outstretched Meyiwa.

The final nail in the coffin came in the 88th minute from substitutes, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale with Bale's trademark run and cross on the left finding Defoe, who was unmarked for an easy score.

Though the match was far from the classic it was billed to be for the near 40 000 supporters at the venue, the English outfit gave the local lads a lesson about taking chances when they are provided in contrast to Pirates who were over eager when presented with opportunities in front of goal, particularly in the first half.

First, Buccaneers striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane managed to connect with a header from a Daine Klate corner kick in the opening minutes, only for his effort to go wide of goal.

Mbuyane came close again moments later, this time badly miscuing his header after good work on the left flank from mercurial winger Tlou Segolela who, despite being a threat with his pace is guilty of poor decision making when in possession of the ball.

Striker Bongani Ndulula found himself facing Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes shortly before the interval but his attempted chip deflected over the posts by the shot stopper.

In the second-half, more chances were presented to Segolela and substitute Mark Mayambela but both were woefully fluffed.

With the score 2-0 to Spurs, Pirates were presented with a chance of pulling one back with 11 minutes to play after a handball by the visitors in the penalty box.

Segolela stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his shot rebounding off the woodwork and into safety.

Spurs started the match with Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar who missed the first two matches with a knee injury before he was replaced after the interval by Wilson Palacios.

They were rarely a threat in the first-half with their best chance coming midway with left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto speeding down the flank to cross to beanpole striker Peter Crouch who fired over the bar.

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