Kaizer Chiefs have vowed that they are “building something phenomenal” for next season, leaving no stone unturned in their pre-season tour of the Netherlands.
Chiefs are currently based at the Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon in Apeldoorn, where they kicked off their preparations with a loosening jog around the Het Loo Palace on Friday afternoon, followed by their first training session on Saturday.
The team are using their two-week stay in the Netherlands to test their character and refine their skillset against quality opposition. Chiefs will play five training matches in the second week of the camp against Vitesse, FC Utrecht, NEC Nijmegen, PEC Zwolle and FC Twente.
Taking to social media on Sunday, the club shared an update on their training sessions after shaking off the jetlag.
“Training has been absolutely fire!” read the caption alongside a clip of the players going through their drills. “The boys are putting it all on the line – pushing through pre-season with full intensity, full commitment and the right attitude.”
Chiefs know they must make the most of their time in Europe. This is where they will lay the foundation for a season in which expectations are sky-high.
Having lifted only the Nedbank Cup last season, pressure is mounting on the Soweto giants to push for the other two major trophies on offer – the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout.
The outcomes of the coming season will be defining for all involved – from the boardroom to the coaching staff and the playing squad.
Management believe they have spent wisely in the off-season, releasing at least six players and strengthening the squad with six new signings: Siphesihle Ndlovu, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Flavio Silva, Nkanyiso Shinga and Ethan Chislett.
But the pressure is also on coach Nasreddine Nabi to deliver results. Retained for a second season, Nabi was backed by the club to continue a process of integration and growth, with more depth now available to him than before.
So far, preparations in the Netherlands appear to be progressing smoothly – so much so that the club has issued a bold warning to their rivals.
“This isn’t just preparation – it’s a statement,” read another club post. “We are building something phenomenal this season. We are going to give it our all. We are going to do it together. And where we go – we are ‘Always Home’.”
Chiefs’ supporters have been closely tracking the club’s progress online, picking up on notable moments from the camp.
One such observation was the absence of captain Yusuf Maart from training pictures. It has since emerged that Maart is on the verge of a move to Austrian side SV Ried, despite recently renewing his contract with the club.
Chiefs have welcomed the online interaction, saying they can feel the energy from their fans – even from thousands of kilometres away.
“Your shout-outs, your mentions, your energy – we feel it. And we love it!” the club added. “Keep it coming. You are part of this journey!”
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