Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika believes the team’s recent pre-season tour of the Netherlands has been invaluable, despite a mixed bag of results.
While the Betway Premiership side managed only one win in five friendly matches, Kwinika emphasized the significant benefits gained, particularly in integrating new signings and preparing for the demanding 2024/25 campaign.
Read: Lehlohonolo Seema Outlines Siwelele FC’s Betway Premiership Ambitions
The trip offered a crucial opportunity for head coach Nasreddine Nabi to assess his revamped squad. Nabi, who aims to significantly improve on last season’s ninth-place finish, has brought in a host of new talent to revitalize Amakhosi.
Key additions include Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Siphesihle Ndlovu, all of whom had the chance to gel with their new teammates and adapt to the team’s tactical approach during the tour.
Kwinika, who faced limited first-team opportunities last season, highlighted the high caliber of opposition faced, including prominent Dutch clubs like Vitesse Arnhem, Utrecht, NEC Nijmegen, PEC Zwolle, and FC Twente.
During an interview with IOL, the defender said, “The Netherlands has been good to us. We have learned a lot, and we are definitely going back home as better people and players.”
He further elaborated on the distinct playing style observed in the Netherlands: “The seconds they spend on the ball are minimal and quite effective. The level is a bit high; they understand the moments very well. In whatever they do, they understand the right time to press, when and where to press, and how to keep the ball.
They have a different way of playing football. In our South African style, we dribble people around, but here they dribble you with the pass.” This exposure to a more precise, possession-based, and tactically astute style of play is expected to significantly enhance the Chiefs’ overall game.
The Kaizer Chiefs are set to put their newly acquired knowledge and cohesion to the test in their final pre-season match, the Toyota Cup, where they will face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
This highly anticipated clash will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, serving as the ultimate warm-up before the official start of the 2024/25 season. Kick off is set for 15h00 on Saturday, 26 July 2025.