As the curtain falls on Kaizer Chiefs‘ pre-season tour of the Netherlands, all eyes are now firmly fixed on their upcoming Toyota Cup showdown against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.
The highly anticipated match, scheduled for July 26 at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, promises to be a vibrant celebration of African football, bringing together two of the continent’s most storied clubs.
For South African powerhouse Kaizer Chiefs, this fixture is more than just a friendly; it’s a critical opportunity to demonstrate meaningful progress and offer their fervent fanbase a reassuring glimpse of what’s to come in the new season.
Read: Amakhosi to begin the new season with five tough Betway Premiership fixtures
This urgency stems from a European tour that left many fans with more questions than answers. Ahead of the pivotal clash in Durban this weekend, SBN took a look at both camps …
Amakhosi’s Struggles in the Netherlands
The Soweto Giants embarked on a rigorous pre-season tour to the Netherlands, engaging in five friendly matches against competitive European opposition.
While intended as a stern test of both tactics and temperament, the results were undoubtedly disheartening. Chiefs managed a solitary win, endured four defeats, conceded nine goals, and only found the back of the net three times.
New Signings Yet to Impress
Ahead of their pre-season preparations, the reigning Nedbank Cup champions bolstered their squad with several new faces, including Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Siphesihle Ndlovu.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi utilized the tour to experiment with new combinations and provide valuable minutes to these recent acquisitions. That being said, none of the new signings managed to make a strong impression, and the team struggled to find rhythm and cohesion. Most of the tactical adjustments implemented by Nabi failed to yield promising signs, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming season.
Who is Asante Kotoko?
Kaizer Chiefs’ Toyota Cup opponents, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, are undeniably one of Africa’s most iconic football institutions, often affectionately known as the “Porcupine Warriors.”
Founded in 1935 and based in Kumasi, Ghana, the club boasts a rich legacy that spans generations and borders. They stand as the most successful club in Ghana, with a remarkable 24 Ghana Premier League titles to their name.
Furthermore, they are two-time CAF Champions League winners (1970, 1983) and were deservingly named African Club of the Century by the IFFHS in 2000. With over 50 official trophies, Asante Kotoko are truly one of the most decorated clubs on the continent.
Asante Kotoko’s Recent Form
Asante Kotoko enters this clash on the back of a solid performance in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League. They managed to pip rivals Hearts of Oak to a top-four finish, securing fourth place despite finishing on the same points (58) as their arch-rivals.
Their superior head-to-head record proved decisive. In the dramatic final round of the season, where only three points separated the top four contenders, Asante Kotoko faced Vision Football Club away from home.
Although they scored first, Vision FC rallied to secure a 3-1 victory. Despite this loss, Hearts of Oak’s narrow 1-0 win against FC Samartex was not enough to surpass Kotoko in the league standings. Asante Kotoko finished five points behind league winners Gold Stars.
Dangermen: Amoah and Opoku
Kaizer Chiefs’ leaky defense, which conceded a concerning 13 league goals at home in 2025 (the highest among all PSL clubs since the turn of the year), will face a significant test from Asante Kotoko’s potent attacking duo: 23-year-old Albert Amoah and 26-year-old Kwame Opoku.
Amoah was the only Asante Kotoko player to net 10+ league goals in the Ghanaian top flight last season, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to Stephen Amankona of Berekum Chelsea FC, who finished with 15 goals.
Meanwhile, Opoku registered 9 league goals and boasts a quicker minutes-to-goal ratio at 156 minutes per goal compared to Amoah’s 168 minutes per goal. These two will undoubtedly be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a vulnerable Chiefs backline.
New Coach at the Helm
Adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter, Asante Kotoko have officially announced the appointment of Abdul Karim Zito as their new head coach on a two-year deal. The club confirmed the decision this past weekend, stating, “We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey as our head coach for the next two years.”
Zito had been serving as interim head coach since April, initially taking charge after the sacking of former coach Prosper Narteh Ogum. He will now assume full-time responsibility, with his inaugural official assignment being this high-profile clash against Nasreddine Nabi’s charges.
The second annual Toyota Cup in Durban will mark the first time the Amakhosi faithful get to see their team in pre-season action on home soil following their challenging tour of the Netherlands. This match is not just about the trophy; it’s about Kaizer Chiefs demonstrating their readiness for the new season and inspiring confidence in their loyal supporters.