Kaizer Chiefs Ready for Toyota Cup Showdown Against Young Africans
Johannesburg, South Africa – Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for an exciting clash against Young Africans of Tanzania in the inaugural Toyota Cup at the Free State Stadium on July 28, 2024. This match marks the first opportunity for fans to witness new coach Nasreddine Nabi’s strategic prowess on South African soil. Chiefs, who recently concluded a three-week preseason camp in Turkey, are eager to showcase their readiness for the upcoming season.
Nabi, who took charge of Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month, has had a brief yet intense period with the team, having overseen several warm-up matches behind closed doors in Turkey. Interestingly, Nabi has a rich history with Young Africans, having led them to two league titles during his tenure. This adds an intriguing layer to the match, as he now faces his former team in a competitive setting.
Jessica Motaung, the marketing director for Kaizer Chiefs, expressed her excitement about the Toyota Cup and the preparations leading up to it. “We are thrilled about the Toyota Cup. We worked extensively with our sponsor to organize it. We are also excited about the coach [Nabi]… obviously. He’ll be playing against his former team as well, so it will be quite a showpiece, that I promise,” Motaung stated during a press conference at OR Tambo International Airport as the team returned from Turkey.
Motaung also welcomed the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) decision to start the league in September, a move that provides Chiefs with additional preparation time. “We understand that there were negotiations to get a new sponsor, hence the league’s start in September. Now the team will have more time to continue with preparations. I also want to say congratulations to the league for the new sponsor… we welcome Betway and we are looking forward to working with them,” she added.
The PSL chairman, Irvin Khoza, confirmed that the league will kick off on September 10, with the MTN8 tournament starting earlier on August 3. Unfortunately, Chiefs did not qualify for the MTN8 as they finished 10th in the league last season.
So far, Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their squad with three new signings: goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, center-back Rushwin Dortley, and left-back Bongani Sam. However, Sam was forced to return from Turkey prematurely due to an unknown injury. It remains to be seen if Nabi will feature Ntwari and Dortley in the lineup against Young Africans.
Jessica Motaung urged Chiefs supporters to come out in full force to support the team in Bloemfontein. “We are excited to go to Bloemfontein… we know what Bloemfontein has done for football. We are just urging our supporters to come celebrate and give the team that support which will boost their confidence as we prepare for the new season,” she said.
The Toyota Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter, providing a glimpse into the strategies and potential of the new-look Kaizer Chiefs under Nasreddine Nabi. With the added preparation time and new signings, the team is poised to make a strong start to the season. Fans and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating this match, which will not only celebrate the partnership with Toyota but also set the stage for an exciting football season ahead.
