Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr explains Spanish pre-season camp decision

Kaizer Motaung Jr says Kaizer Chiefs’ trip to Spain was designed to take the squad out of their comfort zone, accelerate the work of a new technical team and fast‐track the integration of recent signings ahead of the new season.

The Sporting Director was speaking after Amakhosi returned to South Africa earlier this week following an intensive pre-season camp in Europe.

Motaung Jr told the club’s official website that the decision to base preparations in Spain was a strategic move aimed at sharpening the squad both tactically and mentally before competitive action resumes.

“The idea of the camp in Spain was about taking the team away from home to experience, a different environment with unfamiliar conditions, integrating the new technical team and also working on induction details for getting the team ready for the season,” said Motaung Jr on Chiefs’ website.

He added that the trip was also structured to give new arrivals the best possible opportunity to settle, as the club continues reshaping its squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Adapting to different styles

A key component of the camp involved a series of practice matches against clubs from a range of competitions, with Chiefs seeking to test themselves against sides with contrasting tactical approaches.

“Playing practice matches against opponents from various leagues around the world proved worthwhile in helping the team adapt to different styles of play and, with the help of our mental coach who worked on the psychological aspects of the game and team building exercises, we achieved all of our intended goals,” Motaung Jr said.

According to the Sporting Director, the overseas schedule allowed the technical staff to expose the players to different footballing cultures and match situations, while the presence of a mental coach underpinned the psychological work and team-building activities.

Motaung Jr believes the group has benefited from operating in “unfamiliar conditions”, arguing that such an environment forces players and staff to focus fully on football matters and bond away from the day-to-day distractions of home.

Focus turns to Toyota Cup

Chiefs have now switched attention to their first public outing since returning from Spain, with supporters set to see the squad in action later this month.

Amakhosi are due to face Zimbabwean side Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup on 26 July at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

The fixture will give fans a first look at the team after their European camp, as well as an early indication of how the new technical set‐up and recent signings are bedding in before the new campaign begins.

Motaung Jr maintains that the objectives of the Spanish tour have been met and that the work done abroad provides a foundation for the remainder of Chiefs’ preparations as they build towards the start of the upcoming season.