As Kaizer Chiefs boarded their flight to Turkey for pre-season preparations, five key observations emerged, offering glimpses into the club’s plans and priorities for the upcoming season.
ITUMELENG KHUNE’S ABSENCE
Notably absent was a long-serving goalkeeper and fan favourite Itumeleng Khune.
With his contract expired and a non-playing role reportedly offered, Khune’s future at Naturena appears uncertain.
His omission from the pre-season trip suggests that his playing days with Amakhosi might be drawing to an end.
NEW RECRUIT SAM JOINS THE RANKS
Bongani Sam, the club’s first signing of the transfer window, was among the travelling party.
Having secured a deal, Sam from Orlando Pirates looks poised to fill the left-back position previously occupied by Sifiso Hlanti. This signals a potential shift in the team’s defensive line-up.
5 PLAYERS SIDELINED BY INJURY
Several notable players were missing from the departing squad, including George Matlou, Tebogo Potsane, Ashley Du Preez, Mduduzi Mdantsane, and Dillan Solomons.
Reports indicate that injuries are keeping these key contributors from participating in the pre-season camp, raising concerns about their availability for the upcoming season.
YOUTHFUL TALENT GETS A CHANCE
A few promising youngsters from the development ranks were included in the travelling group.
This suggests that the technical team is keen to assess the potential of emerging talent and potentially offer some a chance to prove themselves during the pre-season matches.
NEW TECHNICAL TEAM MEMBERS
Members of the technical staff, including Fernando da Cruz, Ilyes Mzoughi, and conditioning coach Majdi Safi, were part of the travelling party.
They will be joined by head coach Nasreddine Nabi, second assistant Khalil Ben Youssef, and performance analyst Ayman Makroud in Turkey, completing the coaching contingent for the crucial pre-season phase.
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