Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are reportedly leaving for Europe on Thursday, July 6, with both teams setting up camp in Spain for their respective pre-season tours.
Marking their first-ever pre-season visit to Spain – having previously prepared in Turkey and the Netherlands – Amakhosi will be based at the coveted Pinatar Arena Football Centre in Murcia.
The tour will be led by new head coach Fernando Da Cruz. Interestingly, Da Cruz had a notable stint with the team during their tour of Turkey two seasons ago before dramatically resigning ahead of the season opener. This time around, Chiefs have lined up some thrilling friendlies under his guidance.
They are set to face Scottish giants Rangers FC in Marbella on Saturday, July 12, followed by Saudi Arabian side Al Kholood at the Pinatar Arena three days later on July 15. They will close off their Spanish tour against local outfit Elche CF, also at the Pinatar Arena, on Saturday, July 18.
Soon after their final clash in Spain, Chiefs will fly back home to re-acclimatise and prepare for a Toyota Cup clash against Zimbabwean side Scotland FC on July 26 at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.
With the official league kickoff date yet to be confirmed, rumours have also emerged that Chiefs have lined up another friendly against Lesotho-based Lifofane FC at the Setsoto Stadium on August 2.
While management will want to use these matches to build chemistry, instil Da Cruz’s philosophy, and get the squad match-fit, fans will simply want to see them win. Ultimately, Chiefs desperately need to foster a winning habit to enter the new season bursting with confidence.
The club has already cleared the path for the Da Cruz era, releasing George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, and Tashreeq Morris, while selling Aden McCarthy to Azerbaijan Premier League club Sabah FK. Meanwhile, the squad has been bolstered by two new signings: centre-back Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch, and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner from Sekhukhune United.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, are returning to Marbella for their fifth successive pre-season tour. Their previous trips to this part of Spain have been incredibly fruitful, laying the foundation for an impressive haul of eight trophies, including last season’s coveted Betway Premiership title.
Given their recent success, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou must ensure his team builds on this established foundation. As the reigning champions, they will undoubtedly be the team to beat in domestic football.
The Sea Robbers have lined up a mouth-watering fixture list in Spain. They will face local Spanish side Córdoba CF at the Pirates’ base on Wednesday, July 15, before taking on Cádiz CF two days later on Saturday, July 18, at a venue yet to be announced.
They will then square off against Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad on Tuesday, July 21, at the Banús Football Center, followed by a quick turnaround match against Spanish side UD Las Palmas at their base on Wednesday, July 22. The Buccaneers will wrap up their European tour with a clash against Saudi Pro League outfit NEOM SC on Friday, July 24, at the Estepona Football Center.
Pirates have significantly reinforced their squad, signing a host of new talent including Mthetheli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Ghampani Lungu, Bohale Ngwato, and the defensive trio of Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti, and Matome Mmolai.
To make room for the newcomers, the club has executed a massive clearing house, releasing: Thabiso Sesane, Selaelo Rasebotja, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Gomolemo Khoto, Sonwabo Khumalo, Blessing Ngiba, Seth Green, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Lebitso, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deivi Miguel Vieira, and Karim Kimvuidi.
On a brighter note financially, Pirates concluded a multi-million rand deal selling young prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng to Jupiler Pro League side Royale Saint-Gilloise, where the youngster is expected to flourish on the European stage.
Not to be outdone, African champions Mamelodi Sundowns are also set to jet out to Europe in the coming days. The Brazilians will return to Austria for a second successive pre-season tour as they gear up for the grueling campaign ahead.
Sundowns are repotedly scheduled to clash against Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg on Saturday, July 18, before facing Ukrainian powerhouse Dynamo Kyiv and English Championship side Cardiff City on Thursday, July 23. They will wrap up their high-profile tour against Saudi giants Al Hilal with back-to-back fixtures on Friday, July 24 and Sunday, July 26.
