Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove has shed light on the rigorous pre-season regime under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, describing it as the “hardest moment of the season.”
In an interview with the club’s media team, Dove revealed the team’s gruelling schedule, which included three sessions in a single day – a morning run up a mountain, followed by gym and field sessions in the afternoon.
Amakhosi are in the third week of pre-season training, their first since Nabi joined the team on Sunday. The Soweto giants are on an 18-day training camp in Istanbul, Turkey.
Despite the intensity, Dove emphasised the positive mood in the camp. “It’s been good just to see the energy, especially in the morning, with the gents signing and running. It shows the mood in camp, which is important for all of us,” he said.
WHAT EDMILSON DOVE SAID ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS’ PRE-SEASON TRAINING
The PSL giants have released footage of players interacting with the new technical team, showcasing a palpable sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm.
With a new technical team in place, Dove acknowledged the challenge of adapting to a different philosophy and approach. “We have a new technical team, so we are trying to get the philosophy of what he wants,” he said.
“Every coach is different. Different approaches to what they want. It’s up to us as players to assimilate everything they give us and try to make it work on the field.”
The 29-year-old expressed optimism about the team’s progress. “We’re hoping that everyone, as a collective, can get all the things needed for us to be ready at the beginning of the season.”
The Mozambican international’s comments offer a glimpse into the hard work being put in by the Chiefs squad as they prepare for the upcoming season under the guidance of the former AS FAR Rabat coach.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a focus on fitness and tactical understanding, the team aims to hit the ground running when the league kicks off. They finished last season in 10th place after only nine wins and 12 losses.
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