Youngsters shine as Chiefs beat top-flight Zwolle in the Netherlands
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi started with more regular senior performers, then introduced younger players off the bench as his team had good possession and structure and created decent chances.
Generally Chiefs impressed against the team that finished in 10th place in the Eredivise last season, though the Dutch side were under-strength. Just two players who were fielded in their last Eredivisie match of the 2024-25 season against Groningen were in the starting line-up against Chiefs as they ran the rule over some fringe players, though Zwolle did have at least five senior players on their bench.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
PSV Eindhoven join race to sign Rele Mofokeng in potential R100 million move
Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven have reportedly joined the race to sign Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. According to a report in Soccer Laduma, the Dutch giants are prepared to offer more than R100 million for the 20-year-old Mofokeng, who has been drawing interest from a number of European clubs during this transfer window. "R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that,' a source was quoted by the publication. 'The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million. You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that." Earlier this window, the player was linked with a possible move to Israel, although this was dismissed by Pirates. Clubs in Major League Soccer in the United States have also been keeping tabs on the youngster.
The Herald
7 hours ago
- The Herald
Golden Arrows and Chippa close in on former Royal AM players
Sources said Arrows have made other additions in their ongoing AM raid after completing a three-year deal with right wing Radebe. This comes after the talented 18-year-old was previously reported by TimesLIVE to be training with the club, pending a permanent deal. 'Sanele has finally signed with Arrows. I can confirm that, and it will be a three-year deal,' said an insider who did not want to be named. Another Betway Premiership side, Chippa United, is looking to secure former Royal winger Sisanda Mbhele. A source said the attacker continues to train with the Eastern Cape club, who are edging closer to completing a free transfer deal, subject to his impressions on the coaches.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
'Emphatic' or just enough? Either way Kaizer Chiefs win in Europe could lead the way in SA
Naledi Hlongwane scored the winning goal in Kaizer Chiefs' 1-0 pre-season victory over PEC Zwolle — their first win in The Netherlands after three straight defeats. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The Kaizer Chiefs media department may have gone a little overboard in their description of Amakhosi's 1-0 victory over PEC Zwolle on Tuesday night. 'Emphatic win for Chiefs in Holland,' read the headline on the club's match report. Well, perhaps that's what happens when you snap a three-match losing streak — any win feels euphoric. But while the victory, courtesy of a second-half goal by substitute Naledi Hlongwane, was deserved, it was anything but emphatic. Yes, Chiefs showed marked improvement from their previous outings. They were confident in possession, moved the ball forward with purpose, and varied their attacking play — mixing long-range shots with attempts to penetrate through Zwolle's defence. Tuesday's result offered much-needed relief for a team struggling for form. Before that match, Amakhosi had lost all three of their earlier encounters on the Dutch pre-season tour — a 4-0 drubbing by FC Utrecht, a narrow 1-0 loss to NEC Nijmegen, and a 2-1 defeat to SBV Vitesse. Their final match of the five-game tour took place on Wednesday night against FC Twente. The win over Zwolle came like rain in the desert for a side in desperate need of momentum as they prepare for the 2025/26 season. Chiefs have made several new signings in a bid to arrest their decline after two consecutive seasons without a top-eight finish. The decisive goal came after Zwolle's goalkeeper failed to hold on to a shot from Mduduzi Shabalala. Hlongwane — who had come on for the injured Flavio Silva — was quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball and burying it. His celebration was one of pure joy, shared with team-mates. It was a goal straight out of the Kaizer Chiefs Academy — both Shabalala and Hlongwane having risen through the ranks together since under-15 level. 'We have a great understanding, as we basically grew up together,' Hlongwane said. 'I know exactly what run to make, depending on the situation, and 'Shabba' knows what I will do. 'This time he decided to shoot. As a striker, you might only get one chance during a match — and that's when you have to be ready. "So, I ran towards the goalkeeper, hoping for a rebound. And that's exactly what happened. Scoring the goal was a fantastic feeling!' Head coach Nasreddine Nabi continued to rotate his squad throughout the match, finishing with Aiden McCarthy as the only player to have completed the full 90 minutes. The Tunisian tactician has used the tour to assess different players and build combinations as part of a longer-term process. That process is what Angolan defender and new captain Miguel Inacio believes will lay the foundation for a successful season — one that includes league play, domestic cups and participation in the CAF Confederation Cup. 'The victory was great. However, in pre-season, the process comes first — it's not so much about winning,' Inacio said. 'In that process, you build the Kaizer Chiefs idea. We've seen our performances improve with each match. "Right now, we're laying the foundation that's needed to do well when the season begins. Pre-season is about incorporating the coach's ideas, integrating new players, and establishing tactical understanding. "Last season, we didn't get that combination right, even though the process was sound. This time, all those elements came together, and that's what made for a great performance — and yes, even an emphatic win.'
