Amakhosi set sights on European test to gear up for the 2025/26 season
Kaizer Chiefs have officially revealed their complete pre-season schedule ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the Soweto giants set to embark on a rigorous European tour based in the Netherlands.
The team will arrive in the Dutch town of Apeldoorn on 4 July and spend over two weeks in camp, departing on 19 July. Apeldoorn, located about 80 kilometres from Amsterdam, will serve as their base as they prepare for what they hope will be a resurgent season.
Reset After a Rollercoaster Season
Despite enduring one of their most disappointing domestic league campaigns in recent memory — finishing ninth in the Betway Premiership — Kaizer Chiefs managed to salvage pride by lifting the Nedbank Cup, ending a decade-long trophy drought. That success has injected a fresh wave of optimism into the club and its supporters.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi will oversee his second pre-season with the Glamour Boys, using this intensive training block to further mould the squad and evaluate individual player development. The camp is expected to provide critical insights into where tactical and personnel improvements are still needed.
Transfer Activity: Departures and Speculation
While the club has yet to announce any new signings, it continues to be linked with several high-profile players in the transfer rumour mill. However, Chiefs have been proactive in trimming the squad. In recent weeks, the club has parted ways with five players, namely:
- Sabelo Radebe
- Edmilson Dove
- Ranga Chivaviro
- Njabulo Blom
- Mduduzi Mdantsane
These departures suggest a restructuring under Nabi’s vision, potentially clearing space for fresh talent before the start of the new season.
Who Will Kaizer Chiefs Face in the Netherlands?
During their time in Europe, Kaizer Chiefs will face a string of five friendly matches against competitive sides from the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, two of the top divisions in Dutch football.
Four of the encounters will be open to the public, providing fans with an early look at the team’s progress. One match, however, will be played behind closed doors, likely for strategic experimentation.
Kaizer Chiefs Pre-Season Match Schedule (Netherlands):
| Date | Time (Local) | Opponent | Venue Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 July | 19:00 | SBV Vitesse Arnhem | Open to Public |
| 11 July | 16:00 | FC Utrecht | Open to Public |
| 12 July | 14:00 | NEC Nijmegen | Closed Door Match |
| 15 July | 19:00 | PEC Zwolle | Open to Public |
| 16 July | 19:00 | FC Twente | Open to Public |
This tour promises to test the mettle of the Chiefs squad, giving players exposure to a different footballing style and pace, while also helping the technical team assess tactical readiness.
A Season of Redemption?
With renewed belief following their Nedbank Cup victory and a challenging European preparation on the horizon, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to turn the page and return to the summit of South African football. The pre-season in the Netherlands could prove to be a vital stepping stone toward a more consistent and successful 2025/26 campaign.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Transfer News: Mbule and Mako Potential Free Transfers
