Kaizer Chiefs returned to South Africa on Thursday, having completed a demanding pre-season tour of the Netherlands that offered plenty of encouraging signs as they prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
While results were mixed, with a hard-fought win over PEC Zwolle and narrow defeats to strong sides like Vitesse, NEC Nijmegen and FC Twente, the overall progress shown by coach Nasreddine Nabi’s squad was clear.
The tour was an important step in building team chemistry and testing new signings against quality opposition in a challenging European environment.
Chiefs looked more cohesive and sharper as the trip progressed. The midfield showed great resilience, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa impressing alongside both Thabo Cele and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
Their ability to control tempo and break up opposition play improved match by match, giving the team a stronger foundation to build attacks from.
𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗙𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦
Kaizer Chiefs allotted more than 2.4 million views across their 5 pre-season friendlies in the Netherlands.🤯
These are some serious numbers and clearly signals the importance of Youtube for clubs📺
📸@shibobotalk pic.twitter.com/fbXFPc3eCw
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) July 17, 2025
Creativity came from new signing Ethan Chislett, whose vision and passing between the lines brought fresh ideas to Chiefs’ play. Up front, Portuguese striker Flavio Silva is still adapting to the team’s style and the demands of top-level football.
While he did not yet impress consistently, his work ethic suggests he could become an important player as the season unfolds.
Defensively, Chiefs benefited from the pairing of Aden McCarthy and Inácio Miguel at centre-back. The young duo grew in confidence throughout the tour, demonstrating solid positioning and communication against sharp Dutch attackers.
At full-back, new right-back Thabiso Monyane impressed with his energetic runs and defensive discipline, while Nkanyiso Shinga provided width and threat down the left flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking intent.
One of the highlights of the tour was Chiefs’ improved transitional play. The team pressed with greater intensity, recovered possession faster, and looked sharper when moving the ball forward.
This newfound energy was evident in their ability to stretch opponents and create chances, especially in the second half of games.
Results are not Kaizer Chiefs’ first priority in Netherlands – Ilyes Mzoughi
“Our first priority is not necessarily the final score,” the Chiefs goalkeeper coach said.
“But, of course, we are a big Club. We must defend the badge. We are here as ambassadors of South Africa.” pic.twitter.com/LzYX6s1Bw3
— Austin Ditlhobolo (@A_B_Ditlhobolo) July 10, 2025
Glody Lilepo and Pule Mmodi also stood out, bringing pace, directness and creativity off the bench. Their contributions added a new dimension to Chiefs’ attack, providing coach Nabi with valuable options to unlock tight defences.
The Dutch tour offered Chiefs valuable lessons and a chance to gel as a unit under challenging conditions. More importantly, it showed that the squad’s blend of experience and youth has real promise.
With tactical understanding deepening and fitness levels rising, Chiefs look well prepared to challenge for honours in the coming season.
For a Chiefs, this pre-season trip was a positive step forward. With a stronger spine and a growing confidence, Amakhosi have set the tone early — now it’s about building on this momentum once back home.
The stage is set for a competitive Betway Premiership campaign, and Amakhosi are ready to answer the call.
