'It's a marathon' - Ntseki highlights positives from Chiefs' pre-season preparations

Head coach Molefi Ntseki has drawn positives from Kaizer Chiefs' clash against Tanzanian side Young Africans in a pre-season friendly on Saturday ahead of the upcoming season.

The two African giants went head-to-head at a sold-out 60 000 Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Ultimately it was a first-half goal from Kennedy Musonda that settled the tie in favour of the hosts.

READ | Chiefs' new additions given key advice

Despite the defeat, Ntseki is adamant that his side would find their feet.

"We had a tactical plan for that particular game. Also, not forgetting the fact that the opposition analyse us and we do the same to them," Ntseki told the club's media.

"In a marathon, you have to have endurance. We are building tactical endurance, physical endurance and mental endurance, because if you don't, you won't be able to finish the season on a high."

On the day, six of Amakhosi's new signings each got a chance to bid for a place in the starting eleven, while striker Ranga Chivaviro missed out due to injury.

"When it comes to the game we played, it was a very important game in terms of our preparation, tactically and physically, but mostly the mental side," added Ntseki.

"Playing the champions of the Tanzanian league with confidence in front of their home fans, with their new players and new coach, I think we lived up to expectations," Ntseki added.

"From our side, we are very happy because they posed a lot of questions to us and we will be able to look into those questions and provide answers going forward. Today was a preparation match and both teams were looking at combinations and individual players we brought into the side, and it was a good exercise from which we benefitted,"

Next for Chiefs is a friendly match against Botswana outfit Township Rollers to be played on Saturday, 29 July.

You must be Sign In to read and post comments.

Click HERE to register!