Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe feels recording victories in pre-season matches sets clubs up for solid campaigns.
The England international acknowledges the fact that these matches are mainly used for fitness but said that creating a winning culture so early in the season is vital for a good start to the upcoming Premier League campaign.
"The manager said before the final [of the Vodacom Challenge in South Africa] that it was important to try and get the win," he told the club's official website.
"The most important thing is fitness and to come home injury-free, but it's also important to have that winning mentality before the start of the season.
"We've worked hard so far in pre-season. We've done a lot of running and speaking to the lads, everyone feels fit.
"We're all raring to go for the start of the season."
Spurs kick off the 2011/12 season with a home clash against Everton on Saturday, August 13.
