Kaizer Chiefs' preparations ahead of the new campaign are gaining momentum with the return of several players from injury and a recent victory in a pre-season friendly played behind closed doors.
The Soweto giants were underwhelming in their first competitive encounter where they were hammered 4-0 by Tanzania champions Young Africans.
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At that time, Amakhosi were without several of their key players due to injuries; the list included Dillan Solomons, Mduduzi Mdantsane, George Matlou. While Solomons and Potsane returned to training in mid-August, Chiefs lost Brandon Petersen to a finger injury – who has resumed light training but is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.
Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove also suffered injuries during pre-season and whose readiness is still uncertain for the start of the season.
Chiefs' most recent training footage reveals that Mdantsane and Matlou have since returned to full training with the first team, further strengthening the side's attacking form and creativity upfront.
Gaston Sirino has already been brought in as an option in the same position.
In addition to the returning recruits, Chiefs have also been doing their talking on the pitch, recording a 2-0 victory against SuperSport United in a pre-season friendly match played behind closed doors on Saturday. Attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala scored both goals.
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Chiefs have also strengthened the squad with the arrivals of Njabulo Blom, Bradley Cross, Inacio Miguel, Sam and Rushwin Dortley.
While it is only a practice match, new head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be pleased to his formula come together against Premiership opposition with one more week remaining before the stat of the season.
Amakhosi kick-off their campaign on Saturday with an away clash against Marumo Gallants at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.