Three leading clubs in the South African Premier League (PSL)—Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs—are actively participating in European pre-season tours. These trips help the teams prepare for the upcoming seasons and strengthen their positions.
Orlando Pirates in Spain
Orlando Pirates, who have used Marbella, Spain, as a training base for the last four seasons, have achieved significant success at home, winning eight trophies including the Betway Premiership title last season. Ahead of the new season, the team will once again travel to Spain to play a series of friendly matches against teams such as Cordoba, Cadiz, Al Ittihad, Las Palmas, and NEOM SC.
The team aims to strengthen its solid defensive line and enhance attacking capabilities to defend its domestic treble. Coach Abdeslam Waddu emphasized the importance of utilizing his experience as a former defender to reinforce the defense, considering it the foundation for victories. Last season, goalkeeper Sipho Chane had a career-best season, recording 21 clean sheets in 30 league matches.
Despite Pirates scoring 58 goals in the league, surpassing the previous record of 52 goals, they lack consistently lethal finishing, which was noticeable from Evidens Makgopa and Yanela Mbutuma. Furthermore, the club has yet to find a recognized central striker. The team also suffered the loss of talent Relebokhile Mofokeng, who scored 10 goals and provided eight assists last season.
Kaizer Chiefs in Europe
The success of Orlando Pirates has attracted the attention of their fierce rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, who have also traveled to Spain for a training camp at the Pinatar stadium. Chiefs aim to build momentum and start a new chapter under coach Fernando da Cruz, who replaced Nasreddin Nabi.
Like Pirates, Amakhosi demonstrated a strong defense last season, conceding only 19 goals. This figure is largely attributed to the exceptional form of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. To bolster the goalkeeping squad, the club signed Ronaldo Liner. The upcoming camp will be crucial for integrating new player Thabo Moloisane into the team and maintaining discipline. In attack, while Flavio Da Silva was the main goalscorer last season, Chiefs also count on the readiness of Khanyisa Mayo and Ethos Igodaro.
Chiefs plan to test their strength against Rangers FC, Al Kholood, and Elche CF in Marbella, after which they will return home to play against Scotland FC in the Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.
Mamelodi Sundowns in Austria
Meanwhile, the champions who lost their title, Mamelodi Sundowns, are preparing for the CAF Champions League campaign by heading to Austria. Despite retaining the deepest and most talented squad in the top division, last season revealed weaknesses, such as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams conceding goals with unusually high frequency.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena remained the anchor, but Sundowns often struggled with dynamism in the final third, relying too heavily on Bryan Leon for goals. Before the trip to Austria, coach Miguel Cardoso must address these shortcomings and ensure team stability. The club parted ways with experienced forward Peter Shalulile but strengthened with Siyanda Ndlovu and Anton Van Wyk, who are expected to add dynamism and creativity.