Gamondi: Kaizer’s a right test

SOUTH AFRICA: YOUNG Africans Coach Miguel Gamondi has described the upcoming friendly match against Kaizer Chiefs as a crucial test, when his team concludes pre-season 2024/25 in South Africa.

The teams will face off today at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in a Toyota Cup friendly expected to draw significant attention.

In a media briefing yesterday, Gamondi expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to play against the South African giants. He emphasised that the match will be a valuable learning experience for his squad.

“Kaizer Chiefs are a competitive team with skilled players, which guarantees that tomorrow (today)’s game will be both challenging and exciting for us,” Gamondi said

He also noted that Chiefs have recently signed several new players eager to prove themselves

Kaizer Chiefs’ newly appointed coach, Nasreddine Nabi, also shared his enthusiasm about the match, particularly as it pits him against his former team. Nabi, who recently joined Chiefs on a three-year contract, anticipates a thrilling encounter.

“I expect a thrilling match,” Nabi said. “Yanga have strengthened their squad for the new season, so it will be an exciting game for both teams.”

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Nabi also addressed the club’s recent trophy drought, highlighting the unacceptable nine-year gap since Kaizer Chiefs last won titles under former coach Stuart Baxter during the 2014/2015 season

“Given the stature of Kaizer Chiefs in South African football, it’s unacceptable for the club to go nine years without a title,” Nabi remarked through a translator.

This friendly will be Yanga’s final pre-season match of their three-game series in South Africa. The team’s pre-season began with a 2-1 loss to Germany’s FC Augsburg at the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup held at Mbombela Stadium. They then secured a 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Kanyamazane Stadium, with Prince Dube scoring the decisive goal.

With today’s match against Kaizer Chiefs marking the end of their South African pre-season tour, Yanga will look to refine their preparations as they head into the new season.