The Soweto-based teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, are scheduled to travel to Europe on Thursday, July 6th, to conduct their preseason tours in Spain. This marks the first time Kaizer Chiefs will organize a preseason visit specifically to Spain; previously, they trained in Turkey and the Netherlands.
Kaizer Chiefs Preseason Tour
Amakhosi will be based at the desired Pinatar Arena Football Centre in Murcia. The tour will be led by the new head coach, Fernando Da Cruz, who previously had notable experience with the team during their trip to Turkey two seasons ago before unexpectedly leaving before the season started. Under his guidance, Chiefs have planned several exciting friendly matches.
On Saturday, July 12th, they will face Scottish giants Rangers FC in Marbella. Three days later, on July 15th, a match against Saudi club Al Kholood will take place at Pinatar Arena. The Spanish tour will conclude with a meeting against local team Elche CF, also at Pinatar Arena, on Saturday, July 18th.
Kaizer Chiefs Transfer Policy
Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their goalkeeping department by signing renowned goalkeeper Renaldo Liner. Furthermore, the club created space for newcomers by releasing George Matlu, Happy Mashiane, and Tashrik Morris, while Aden McCarthy was sold to Sabah FK from the Azerbaijan Premier League. Central defender Thabo Moloysane from Stellenbosch and goalkeeper Renaldo Liner from Sekhukhune United have also joined the squad.
After the last match in Spain, Chiefs will return home for acclimatization and preparation for the Toyota Cup match against the Zimbabwean team Scotland FC on July 26th at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg. There are also rumors that Chiefs will play another friendly match against Lesotho's Lifofane FC at the Setsoto stadium on August 2nd.
Orlando Pirates Preseason Tour
Orlando Pirates are heading to Marbella for their fifth consecutive preseason tour. Their previous trips to this part of Spain have been very successful, laying the foundation for an impressive haul of eight trophies, including last season's Betway Premiership title. Coach Abdeslam Waddu must ensure the team continues to build on this success.
The 'Sea Robbers' have prepared a packed schedule in Spain. They will play against local Spanish club Córdoba CF at the Pirates' base on Wednesday, July 15th, and then meet Cádiz CF two days later, on Saturday, July 18th, at an unannounced venue. This will be followed by a game against Saudi giants Al Ittihad on Tuesday, July 21st, at the Banús Football Center. After that, there will be a quick match against Spanish club UD Las Palmas at their home ground on Wednesday, July 22nd. The European tour will conclude with a clash against Saudi Pro League club NEOM SC on Friday, July 24th, at the Estepona Football Center.
Orlando Pirates Squad Strengthening
Pirates have significantly bolstered their squad by signing several new players, including Mthetele Mtyane, Sbangani Zulu, Gampani Lungu, Bokhle Ngwato, as well as the defensive trio Neo Rapu, Afive Baliti, and Matome Mmolai. At the same time, the club conducted a major squad overhaul, releasing Tabiso Sesane, Celaelo Rasebotja, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Gomolemo Khoto, Sonvabo Khumalo, Blessing Ngiba, Seth Green, Sifo Mbulle, Bandile Shandu, Tabiso Lebitso, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deivi Miguel Vieira, and Karim Kimvuidi.