In his first season with the team, coach Nasreddine Nabi met Kaizer Chiefs in Turkey for their pre-season and even though certain critics believe the club had not excelled in the league due to that tough trip, it's believed Amakhosi will be returning to Europe for the upcoming campaign's preparations.
Reliable insiders close to Chiefs have indicated that management apparently believes another trip to Europe would be beneficial to the club.
The sources added that these preparations for the pre-season in Europe are at an advanced stage and as good as done.
"Yes, apparently the technical team has recommended that they have the pre-season camp in Europe again. No. Not at the moment. I can't say which country as they are looking at the availability of training fields, accommodation as well as other important logistics. But it's believed that they will be going to Europe for a pre-season camp," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile a second insider stated that the club together with their different sponsors are looking at pre-season tournaments which will be held locally after the team returns from Europe.
"Of course those pre-season tournaments will still he held at the start of next season. It's just that we are not yet sure whether it will be the Toyota Cup or other tournaments but the team is working with sponsors in that regard. Apparently when the marketing department and the sponsors finish the logistics then we will know which pre-season tournaments will be played this time around," the second source told the Siya crew.
Last season Amakhosi held their pre-season camp in Turkey and then they played Tanzanian side Yanga SC in the inaugural Toyota Cup which Chiefs lost 4-0 in what was coach Nasreddine Nabi's first game in South Africa.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for official comment on the pre-season plans but there was no response at the time of publishing.
The decision to return to Europe for pre-season demonstrates Chiefs' commitment to providing their squad with elite preparation facilities following their Nedbank Cup triumph. With CAF Confederation Cup football secured for next season, a European camp could prove valuable in helping the team prepare for the rigours of continental competition.
Despite last season's mixed results, management appears to have faith in Nabi's methods and preparation philosophy. As the club looks to build on their cup success and improve their league form, this European pre-season could prove crucial in establishing the foundations for a more consistent 2025/26 campaign.
