Kaizer Chiefs’ young stars embark on high-profile UK tour

Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge team will embark on a tour of England as they continue their pursuit of growth, development, and international exposure following their successful 2024/25 campaign.

The Amakhosi reserves, who are the reigning DDC champions, earned the trip to Europe as part of their reward for lifting the title. 

Their schedule includes high-profile fixtures against the Under-21 sides of Manchester United, Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers, giving the young squad a chance to measure themselves against some of the best academies in world football.

Beyond the matches, the team will also visit the academies of Manchester United and Liverpool, where they are expected to gain valuable insights through knowledge-sharing sessions with elite youth structures. 

Speaking ahead of the journey, captain Thulani Mabaso expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and highlighted the ambitions they carry with them.

“I am thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity. My personal goal is to win all the games,” Mabaso said.

Mabaso was part of Chiefs’ pre-season tour to Europe earlier this year, and he believes that exposure has been crucial in shaping his understanding of the international game — lessons he has since applied to his performances.

“That tour helped me a lot because I understand how football is played overseas. It is more of passing instead of spending a lot of time on the ball.

“Even the teams we played against are teams that compete at the highest level, in competitions such as the Uefa Europa League, so that helped a lot.”

Looking ahead to the fixtures in England, Mabaso says the team’s objectives are clear: they want to compete, perform and represent the club with pride, while pushing to improve as a team.

“As a team we need to work hard and fight for one another, and more than anything we need to be a unit to ensure we get the success. When teams go over to such tournaments they go over for the experience, but we are positive about winning.

The 21-year-old midfielder also still has his sight on becoming a regular fixture in the first team, a prospect he believes is not too far off if he continues working hard for his current side.

“It’s all about being positive in everything in life, you have to wait for your chance and work hard. I am always positive and I know I will get my chance and when it comes I will grab it with both hands.”

The first team, meanwhile, are preparing to face Zambian giants Zesco United this weekend in the second group game of the CAF Confederation Cup.