FC Twente v Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi go down in final pre-season friendly
Kaizer Chiefs concluded their pre-season tour with a 2-1 defeat to FC Twente, but they aim to improve their league performance by strengthening their defence with new signings Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, following the departure of former captain Yusuf Maart. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs ended their pre-season tour of the Netherlands with a 2-1 loss to FC Twente on Wednesday.
Daan Rots opened the scoring for Twente just before the break, before they equalised just after the hour mark from the spot through new skipper Inacio Miguel.
The hosts would have the final say though, as Mitchell van Bergen bagged the winner with five minutes remaining in the clash.
It brought to an end Chiefs’ pre-season tour, with four losses and a win over their five friendly clashes against much-fancied opposition.
Chiefs’ Warm-Up: A Vital Step Towards Breaking Two Consecutive Seasons Outside the Top Eight
Despite the poor run of results, the warm-up for the coming season would have been just what Chiefs needed as they seek to break a run of two campaigns in a row in which they finished outside the top eight in the league.
This comes after the official confirmation earlier this week that skipper Yusuf Maart has left the club.
Though Maart’s pending departure was no secret in SA footballing circles, Chiefs took their time to officially confirm the reports.
Austrian club SV Ried have signed the 29-year-old for a reported fee of R15 million.
The move brings to an end a three-year spell with Chiefs for Maart as Angolan international Inacio takes over the captain’s armband.
Chiefs Strengthen Defence with Orlando Pirates Duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako
Two weeks ago, Chiefs announced the signing of Orlando Pirates duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, a significant boost to their player stocks.
While switching allegiances among derby rivals is often frowned upon, Chiefs will be left grinning as they added the two star players to their defence for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
The 25-year-old Monyane joins Chiefs after his contract ran out with Pirates at the end of June.
Meanwhile, the more experienced 31-year-old Mako also had his contract run out at Pirates at the end of last month.