Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has revealed the challenges faced by the club during their pre-season camp in Turkey.
Amakhosi embarked on a gruelling training regime in Istanbul, Turkey, as they look to rebuild after their worst-ever season in PSL history, in which they finished in 10th place in the league.
The 2023/24 campaign also saw Chiefs extend their trophy drought to nine years, as they last lifted a cup when they were crowned league champions in 2015.
In Turkey, the Soweto giants underwent intense training sessions and featured in several friendly matches as they laid the groundwork for the upcoming 2024/25 PSL season.
New coach Nasreddine Nabi oversaw his troops in action for the first time in the 5-2 win over Qatari club, Al Shahaniya. In their second game, Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Al Dibba Al Hisn from UAE.
A few days after the two games, Kaizer Chiefs left Turkey and touched down on SA soil on Wednesday night, landing at OR Tambo International Airport.
KAIZER JR REFLECTS ON TOUGH TURKISH TRAINING CAMP
The Amakhosi sporting director highlighted several challenges the team faced in Turkey. In addition to the intense training sessions, which demanded physical and mental exertion, Kaizer Jr said that the added pressure of the players being away from their loved ones in a foreign country also contributed to the overall difficulties. To compound matters, Chiefs suffered setbacks with injuries to two players, Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam.
Despite admitting that the trip to Turkey and camp was tough for the players, Kaizer Jr expressed satisfaction with the Amakhosi squad’s overall performance and mental fortitude.
“We are satisfied with how our preparations have gone so far. It has not been easy, but the boys showed their tenacity and mental strength,” he said.
“Being away from family and friends in a foreign country is never easy, but we came together as a team and did it.
“The team and the coaches will continue to work on the new season’s preparations because we need to ensure that we are ready to compete when the season starts. We know it’s not going to be easy, and it will take a bit of time, but we do know that supporters will journey with us as we try and get back on track.”
Chiefs will continue with their preparations for the new season in Johannesburg before travelling to Bloemfontein for the inaugural Toyota Cup.
Nabi’s men will take on Tanzanian giants Young Africans at the Toyota Stadium on Sunday [3 PM].
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