Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala shared his first impressions of Dutch culture.
Check it out!
Read: Ribeiro Inspires Youngsters In Brazil
The story
The Glamour Boys are currently in the Netherlands for their pre-season tour and are being put through their paces in preparation for the 2025/26 season.
Having featured prominently for Nasreddine Nabi's side last season (33 appearances in all competitions), Shabalala will be eager to hit the ground running when the new campaign kicks off in August, with another European pre-season trip to sharpen his craft further.
Commenting on the Netherlands' culture of bikes and cycling, Shabalala said, "They are [Dutch people] always on their bicycles. That's something which does not happen so often in South Africa," noted Mdu, as quoted in an article shared on Chiefs' website.
The Soweto giants will play Vitesse, FC Utrecht, NEC Nijmegen, PEC Zwolle and FC Twente on this tour, and Shabalala is eager to learn from their opponents.
"We are here to learn. It's not so much about the result. We want to take all these learning experiences with us back to South Africa. For sure, we will compete in our training matches, but more importantly, to get better as a team. That's our objective," said the 21-year-old.
"Mdu or Die" is no stranger to football on European shores. In 2022, He went on trial in Belgium with Lyle Foster's former club, KVC Westerlo.
With Belgium neighbouring the Netherlands, Shabalala was asked to compare the two nations.
"I can see comparisons between the two countries. The environment in both nations is inspiring. It's quiet. And, especially now in pre-season, that quietness helps you to reflect, to learn about yourself and to have the right attitude to take your game to the next level," he told Amakhosi's media team.
Read: Modise Marvels At Durban July
