When Kaizer Chiefs Football Club rolled out their starting eleven for the last stop of their Dutch pre‑season trek, the buzz was palpable. The friendly against FC Twente took place at Sportpark De Scheetheuvel in Delden on 16 July 2025, kicking off at 19:00 local time (17:00 UTC). Despite a hopeful line‑up and a morale‑boosting win over PEC Zwolle the night before, the Glamour Boys fell 2‑1, sealing a tour that ended with one triumph and four defeats.
Pre‑season tour: setting the stage
The Netherlands swing began in early July, with the Chiefs chasing match fitness after a cramped off‑season. After three straight losses – against PSV Eindhoven, Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord – the squad finally breathed easier with a 1‑0 victory over PEC Zwolle, thanks to youngster Naledi Hlongwane. That win sparked optimism, but Nasreddine Nabi, the club’s head coach, warned the boys not to get ahead of themselves.
- Tour dates: 5 July – 16 July 2025
- Matches played: 5 (1 win, 4 losses)
- Goals scored by Chiefs: 4
- Goals conceded: 9
- Live stream: YouTube channel @KaizerChiefsFootballClub; TV: SuperSport Channel 202
Delden showdown: line‑up, goals and key moments
The pre‑season friendly saw a back‑four of Kwinika, Frosler, Miguel and Solomons defending behind keeper Petersen. The midfield trio of Mabaso, Cele and Chislett was tasked with linking play to the attacking three of Sirino, Vilakazi and Hlongwane. For the Dutch side, the line‑up remained largely unchanged from their Eredivisie preparations.
The first half was a tight affair. In the 43rd minute, D. Rots found the net with a low drive that slipped past Petersen, putting Twente ahead just before halftime. The Chiefs pressed, but the Dutch defence held firm.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute. I. M. F. Santos – the club’s recent signing from the Portuguese league – curled a side‑footed free‑kick into the top corner, restoring parity and sending the travelling supporters into a roar.
Twente, however, weren’t done. In the 85th minute, a quick counter‑attack saw S. Ltaief lunge onto a lofted ball and slide it home, sealing a 2‑1 win. The final whistle blew with the Chiefs digging in for a hard‑earned lesson.
Coach Nabi’s take and what the result means
Post‑match, Nasreddine Nabi kept his tone measured. “We showed pockets of quality, especially in the second half, but the defensive organisation still leaks,” he said. “The win against Zwolle gave us a boost, but tonight reminded us that consistency is what earns points back home.”
Twente’s interim manager, Marco ter Steege, praised his side’s resilience. “Scoring early helped us settle, and we stayed compact. The Chiefs are a big club; they’ll improve quickly,” he noted, adding that the match served as valuable mileage before the Dutch season kicks off.
Looking ahead: the road to the new domestic campaign
Back in South Africa, the Chiefs have a narrow window before the Premier Soccer League opens in early August. The coaching staff will dissect the footage, focusing on three core areas: defensive shape during transitions, set‑piece defending, and the partnership between midfield engine Mabaso and the creative wing Sirino. Injuries were minimal – Sam Lammers sat out for Twente, while Chiefs reported no new knocks – giving Nabi flexibility on the bench.
Supporters can expect the first league fixture against Orlando Pirates on 5 August, a match that will instantly test whether the lessons from Delden have been internalised. If the club can tighten the back line (something the Dutch exposed), the attacking trio that sparked the late equaliser could propel them into a strong start.
Background: how Chiefs got here
Nasreddine Nabi took the helm in January 2024, after the Chiefs endured a turbulent 2023‑24 season that saw them finish fifth, missing continental qualification. His appointment was meant to inject tactical discipline and revive the club’s attacking flair. The Dutch tour was his first full‑scale pre‑season plan, combining high‑intensity fixtures with exposure to European playing styles.
Historically, the Glamour Boys have not faced FC Twente in a competitive setting. The 2‑1 result therefore adds a fresh chapter to both clubs’ archives, and it gives South African fans a glimpse of how their team matches up against European opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Kaizer Chiefs’ preparation for the PSL?
The defeat highlights defensive frailties that Nabi will likely address in training. While morale took a hit, the narrow margin and late comeback suggest the squad has the character to rebound once they tighten up at the back.
Who scored the goals for each side?
FC Twente’s D. Rots opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, and S. Ltaief added a late winner in the 85th. Kaizer Chiefs’ equaliser came from I. M. F. Santos via a free‑kick in the 69th minute.
What was the significance of the match being streamed on YouTube and SuperSport?
Streaming allowed the club’s global fanbase to watch in real time, boosting engagement ahead of the domestic season. The TV broadcast on SuperSport Channel 202 also catered to local supporters who prefer traditional viewing.
Did any injuries influence the line‑up?
Twente were without forward Sam Lammers due to a hamstring strain, but the Chiefs reported no new injuries after the match, leaving Nabi’s squad largely intact for the upcoming league opener.
When is Kaizer Chiefs’ first league match after the tour?
The Premier Soccer League schedule puts the Chiefs face‑to‑face with Orlando Pirates on 5 August 2025, a derby that will serve as the true test of the pre‑season work.
rudal rajbhar
October 6 2025
Seeing the Chiefs concede twice in the dying minutes really makes you question the balance between attacking flair and defensive discipline. The pre‑season tour exposed a pattern: moments of brilliance followed by lapses in concentration. If the backline can internalise the lessons from Twente, the league campaign could look a lot cleaner. The coach’s measured tone is wise, yet the squad must translate that into tighter shape when the opposition switches. Ultimately, the character shown in the comeback hints at a resilience that can be moulded into consistency.