Kaizer Chiefs Return Early to Naturena Ahead of Netherlands Tour – Nkgwesa Update
Kaizer Chiefs have wasted no time getting back to work. They are the first Betway Premiership club to report for pre-season duties following the off-season break. After a rollercoaster 2024/25 campaign that ended in a bittersweet ninth-place league finish, Amakhosi are determined to hit the ground running ahead of their upcoming European tour.
Despite the league struggles, Chiefs concluded their season on a high. They clinched the Nedbank Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over fierce rivals Orlando Pirates. This victory finally ended a 10-year trophy drought that has haunted the Naturena faithful.
Players Undergo Medicals and Assessments
The senior squad officially returned to Naturena on Friday morning to undergo routine medical and fitness tests. It marks the beginning of an intense few weeks for the club. They are preparing for a crucial phase of rebuilding under the guidance of their new technical team.
Among the first to arrive were fan favorites Wandile Duba and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. They were seen at the club’s base as part of the early sessions. The return signals a refreshed mindset at Naturena, with the club eager to avoid another disappointing league campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs Set for Dutch Preseason Tour
Kaizer Chiefs will depart for the Netherlands between 3 and 19 July for a pre-season camp. This camp will include several training matches and team bonding activities. A key fixture already confirmed is a friendly clash against Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht. This vital test will help gauge the team’s readiness for the 2025/26 season.
The trip will give the technical staff a chance to assess new systems. It will also give younger players opportunities and help sharpen tactical combinations ahead of the domestic kick-off.
Kabelo Nkgwesa Gets the Call-Up
One of the most talked-about arrivals at Naturena on Friday was none other than Kabelo Nkgwesa. He is the breakout left-back from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team. The 19-year-old has been promoted to the first team after a stellar 2024 season. In this season, he scooped both the Most Improved Player and Player of the Season awards in the reserve league.
Nkgwesa’s presence at the pre-season camp signals a strong vote of confidence from the Chiefs’ technical team. They are clearly looking to infuse youth into the squad. His performances in the DDC have not gone unnoticed. His inclusion is seen as a reward for consistency, discipline, and tactical maturity well beyond his years.
With Paseka Mako also joining the ranks as a new left-back signing, competition for spots in defense is heating up. Nkgwesa will relish the opportunity to prove his worth on foreign soil during the upcoming tour.
A New Era Beckons for Amakhosi
With the return to Naturena now official, all eyes are on how Kaizer Chiefs plan to shape their 2025/26 campaign. The club has hinted at a stronger emphasis on youth development, discipline, and consistency. These are key pillars that could help restore the pride of a club desperate to reclaim its place at the top of local football.
As pre-season unfolds, the squad will have to prove they are up for the challenge. The early return, intense medical assessments, and overseas tour show just how serious the club is about turning the tide.
Amakhosi fans will be hoping this early commitment translates into success when the new season kicks off. With exciting young talent like Kabelo Nkgwesa stepping into the spotlight, the signs are promising.
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