Tottenham clinched the Vodacom Challenge title with a 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg.
Van der Vaart stars in Vodacom Challenge victory
Tottenham clinched the Vodacom Challenge title with a 3-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg.
The South African champions played their part in an entertaining clash and had several chances, but Spurs eventually ran out comfortable winners thanks to a Rafael van der Vaart double and Jermain Defoe strike.
Steven Pienaar returned to the starting line-up following an injury lay-off, while Kyle Walker, Peter Crouch and Heurelho Gomes were also given opportunities to impress.
Luka Modric was selected in the playing XI too after Harry Redknapp reiterated his desire on Friday to keep hold of the Croatian.
Gomes pulled off a string of smart saves to remind Harry Redknapp of his abilities following the summer arrival of Brad Friedel, while Thulasize Mbuyane and Bongane Ndulula missed the target as the Pirates started strongly.
They were made to rue such poor finishing when Tottenham took the lead against the run of play on 34 minutes, Van der Vaart curling a free-kick in at the near post from 20 yards.
Defoe, Niko Kranjcar, Wilson Palacios and Alan Hutton were all introduced at the interval and Spurs were much improved as Van der Vaart made it 2-0 from Benoit Assou-Ekotto's through-ball after his initial shot was well saved by Senzo Meyiwa.
The Pirates continued to battle hard in an effort to get back into the game but Spurs put the result beyond any doubt with two minutes remaining as Defoe supplied the simplest of finishes following a fantastic run and cross by Gareth Bale.
